For many, college is our first chance at independence. Too often, however, this freedom brings the opportunity for us to indulge in food and habits that are unhealthy. As someone who learned that the freshman 15 is real, I have spent the rest of my college years learning about health and fitness and understanding that everything is a balance. So, want to make this your healthiest year yet?
Here are 10 tips to get you feeling better than ever:
1. Learn to cook
While I still struggle with this and too often have a bowl of Special K for dinner, learning to cook allows you to put healthy foods into your body. There are lots of healthy food blogs out there to teach you to be the next Master Chef; with easy recipes and step-by-step instructions for whatever meal you desire, cooking will seem a lot less daunting.
2. Exercise
This one may seem obvious, but it is one of the most important. By finding a workout that you love, you are able to make the exercise time go by faster and may eventually start viewing it as a hobby rather than a chore. The rec offers lots of fun classes, has plenty of weights and is full of cardio machines. Spend 30 minutes to an hour there at least four days a week and you will see your body transform!
3. Walk to Class
Although that ride to class may be tempting, by walking you are finding extra time for exercise in your day. Those 15-20 minute walks add up and you also have the ability to enjoy your campus and see friends along the way!
4. Manage Your Time
As much as you want to push off that paper or studying for that exam, by practicing time management, you will decrease your anxiety in the long run. Start making flashcards a week in advance and review a little bit each day. By the time it’s the night before the exam, you are confident and feel ready to get that A.
5. Blenders Will Change Your World
I’m obsessed with my blender. Smoothies are one of the best ways to replenish after a hard workout and also serve as a great meal replacement. They can be as easy as throwing frozen fruit and milk into the blender, or you can jazz them up with veggies, protein powder or whatever you desire.
6. Don't Buy Junk Food
This might seem common sense and straightforward, but if you don’t buy it, you won’t have it around later to eat. Instead, spend your money on fresh fruits and veggies. Before you know it, your room will be filled with healthy goodies rather than junk food, and you can snack you heart away.
7. Save Your Money on the John's—Both Papa and Jimmy
Without a doubt, I love pizza and I love bread. What I have learned, however, is, after those late nights out, I don’t love how I feel about what I ate the next day. While consuming alcohol does make you crave greasy and unhealthy food, save your money and make something at home instead. My trick is toast. It’s warm, yummy and hits the spot without packing on the extra calories.
8. Go to Sleep
Since you will now be procrastinating less, you have the opportunity to sleep more. While everyone works differently, try to get more work done earlier throughout the day. Ideally, seven to eight hours of sleep every night will allow you to be more alert, awake and better prepared for the day.
9. Snack Throughout the Day
While growing up we learned to eat three meals a day, nutritionists actually recommend that you eat six smaller meals a day. Eat when you are hungry, but eat healthy. By snacking, we are able to keep hunger satisfied rather than gorging on big meals when we are starving. I recommend fruit salads or veggies and hummus. They are light, healthy and delicious!
10. Focus on YOU!
Do more of what makes you happy. Join that club you have always wanted to join. Study the subjects that interest you. Surround yourself with the people who love you and accept you for you. College is a time to find yourself, so focus on you and what makes you happier.
By eating healthy, exercising and focusing on what makes you the happiest, this year will be one of your best. Focus on your body and what works best for you. Treating your body well from the inside out will give you more energy and a more positive outlook on school. Remember, it is all a balance; take everything in moderation. So go for it! This year is your year.
