In college, it's hard to live a healthy lifestyle. Between the many all nighters studying and nights out partying, it's difficult to find a healthy balance between having fun, sleeping well, eating right, exercising, and overall staying sane.
I have always been an avid food lover. Although those who know me best know that I dislike all condiments and many sauces (yes, I eat hot dogs and french fries plain), I am usually not very picky when it comes to eating. Going to new restaurants is an activity I consistently enjoy, as I love being introduced to new foods and flavors I've never tasted before. Going to school in Nashville has been wonderful, partly because the food culture here is incredible. From Smiling Elephant to Bar Taco to Hattie B's to Silo, we have it all.
Because of the amazing food options we have in Nashville, one may wonder how you're supposed to stay fit in college when the dining options are above par. Well, let me tell you that there are many great exercising options in Nashville that some might not know about; in fact, it's very easy to stay fit in college if you do everything in moderation. Too much exercising is bad, and too much eating is bad. While I know that sounds obvious, many people overlook this.
Social media platforms, such as the more recent Sweat Scene, are trying to encourage healthy lifestyles for college students by advocating the right amounts of exercising and eating. Just last week, The Sweat Scene launched on Vanderbilt's campus and is already filled with articles suggesting the best workout classes at Vanderbilt's own (free for students) recreation center or classes around Nashville, such as Title Boxing. The original founders of The Sweat Scene know how hard it is to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle on college campuses. Even finding time to fit 20 to 30 minutes of working out during the day is tough when you're going from class to class, studying, more class, a meeting, another meeting and finally to bed. I get it. We all go through it, and we all need to be more conscious of how important living a healthy lifestyle is.
One day last spring, I had a revelation. I used to look for all possible excuses I had to avoid working out and getting sweaty, but I soon realized how important being healthy and staying fit were to me. I started running, something I knew I'd always been naturally good at but never particularly enjoyed. Soon after, I realized how much I actually enjoyed running; I loved the endorphin rush, the runner's high, the scenery while on a trail, but most importantly, I loved the way it made me feel about myself and how accomplished I felt after completing a run. Now, I look forward to my runs as they are typically the only time of the day I can be alone and reflect.
For those like me who aren't a fan of workout classes or indoor gyms, I highly suggest running outside. There are so many beautiful, great parks around Nashville that are available to the public, which are always lively with people and animals. Anyone can run, you just have to start and implement it into your routine.
The moral of the story is that we need to set aside times during the week to exercise because it will make you happier in addition to healthier. We also need to eat right, but we can't be afraid of eating dessert once a day or not eating foods we enjoy because of the high caloric content. Do everything with purpose and don't feel guilty about eating foods you enjoy even if they are technically "unhealthy." While I am in no way, shape, or form a doctor, nutritionist, dietician, etc., I just know from experience that I feel better after every time I exercise. I feel less stressed out, I feel healthier, and I feel cleaner (after the shower of course). I also know that I enjoy many foods, which aren't considered healthy; however, I do not cut them out or avoid them at any cost. If I'm craving ice cream I will eat it, and if I want salty french fries I will not be shy. Like I said, and like many others have said, everything in moderation. Life is too short to not eat brownies or Chipotle.
So try it! If you're having a bad day and need some alone time, go for a run or a walk. Anything that gets you moving is considered exercise. Try out some of the great classes Vanderbilt, and Nashville has to offer. And don't forget about the restaurants. Always remember the restaurants.
Check out The Sweat Scene for inspiration if you don't know where to start.
