Summer is ending and you finally got that "summer bod" you kind of wanted. How do you keep that bod through the school year, as food is always just a quick walk, click, or dial away? Well, have no fear, tips are here!
Limit yourself to having takeout once or twice a week.
Fight the cravings of having take-out, more than a couple of times a week. Allow yourself take out, once for lunch, and once for dinner, per week. Not only will you be cutting down on all the fried food, your wallet will be thanking you too!
Water = hydration.
Simply swap a soda, with your lunch or dinner, for a glass of water. The more water you drink, the happier your body will be. Want even more of a challenge? Kickstart your morning with a glass of water with lemon, instead of that mocha iced latte. Take it another step, swap your sugary drinks for water a few times a week. An excess of sugar is the enemy, so by only drinking water a couple times a week you eliminate some of those "enemies."
Make small substitutions in your sides.
Yes, the dining hall has unlimited fries and onion rings, but the dining hall also has a huge array of fresh vegetables and lots of fresh fruits. Rather than grabbing those extra fries, go over to the salad bar and grab some carrot sticks and dressing to dip in. Small changes like this, will make a difference whether you realize or not!
Make a plan and stick to it.
Choose a time when you will go for a run, go to the gym, take a class, or simply unwind without technology. Creating an outline of when you will do these things each day, will make you more likely, (and motivated) to do it when the time comes. You can say you're going to the gym every day, but will you actually? Probably not. With a plan, you can give yourself a block of time to commit to the gym!
Pick out and lay out your workout clothes the night before.
Its easy to just push off the gym when your clothes aren't right there and you have to search through the darkest corners of your drawers for something to wear. Just pick out what to wear to the gym right before you go to sleep, that way when you wake up tomorrow there's a not-so-subtle reminder to get out there and, "just do it!"
Find something that interests you.
Admit it, going to the gym and just doing cardio and strength can get very boring. Switch it up! Take a class, go swimming, or even make up an outdoor circuit. There are classes for almost anything, yoga, spin, kickboxing, or Zumba. And if you're really up for a challenge, CrossFit!
Everything in moderation.
You don't have to cut out all the chips and junk food and candy, but eat in moderation. Don't eat that entire bag while studying, pack just a sandwich bag of them. That way you're not tempted to eat the entire bag!
Add color to your diet!
Adding the color of fresh fruits and veggies not only is better for you, but looks better too than all that fried food. Try adding a few colors every meal, like some cantalope in the morning while you have cherries and salad with lunch and an orange with dinner. These small additions, and pops of color make eating more fun; not to mention healthier!
Hang in there, results will come.
Results and progress are slow, don't give up just because you aren't seeing the results you want immediately. It takes time like all things. Never give up, and keep it up.
And always save room for a slice of pizza.
Never turn down pizza (ever). Especially if it's free. You worked hard, and kicked ass. Now, reward yourself with a slice of pizza.
