Staying Healthy in College: Six Tips that Pack a Punch

[Whole Foods – Organic Grocery Store]

[http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/]

[Females ages 17-22 entering or attending college with an interest/knowledge in health and fitness. These females also shop at natural grocery stores and have a desire to stay healthy in college.]

Between the late-night fast food runs, hours spent studying and nights with little sleep, it’s easy to forget how to take care of yourself. Whether you’re brand new to college or almost graduated, you can benefit from these tips for living a healthier lifestyle during school.

The best workout is the one you look forward to. College is already filled with stressful activities – nights jammed with studying, making sure to pay the bills on time and running to catch the bus. Why add exercise to that list? The key to a happier workout is one that you enjoy doing. Maybe it’s a walk through the park with your pup, or a jog at 6 a.m. to start your day. If you feel like picking up some weights in the gym or hopping on the stationary bike to do some hills, then go for it. Find what it is you enjoy that gets your heart pumping and roll with it.

Dining out? Not a problem. Whether it’s a girls’ night out, family brunch or an I’m-sick-of-my-food kind of day, there are tons of reasons to eat out at restaurants. Instead of cowering in fear that your healthy streak for the week will be ruined by a visit to Chipotle, remember that most restaurants offer healthier alternatives. If you’re lost looking at the menu, try choosing a dish with a healthy balance of protein, carbs and good fats (read more about these here).

Water, water, water. It’s a given – we need water (and a lot of it). Nutritionists recommend we consume 64 ounces of water a day. Carry a 12 ounce water bottle and drink a little less than 5.5 refills a day and you’ll meet your daily goal. (P.S. keep a water bottle in your backpack so you don’t have to buy bottles throughout the day.)

Prepare and pack your own meals. Unlike when you eat out at restaurants, if you make your own meals then you control what goes into them – no hidden oils, sodium or sugar. Take this one step further and prep your homemade meals for the week. Choose lean protein, complex carbs and veggies for lunches on-the-go.

Easy on the alcohol. Alcohol has way more calories than you probably think. An average beer (with 4.5% alcohol) contains roughly 140 calories, and a typical shot of vodka has between 97 and 122 calories. Four beers and two shots later and you’re looking at around 760 calories . . . and that’s only from liquid. Be aware of how quickly calories add up from alcoholic drinks. Drinking one night a week instead of three will make quite the difference.

Pack a snack. Pack your own snacks for a great way to eat healthy on the go. Nuts, pretzels, fresh fruit, veggie sticks and protein bars are a few examples of foods that will fuel you through a busy school day. Run out of baggies? Pick up some small Tupperware containers to store these snacks in – reusable and better for the environment.

 

Following these few tips will help you become a healthier student. Don’t forget to share these tips with friends – they might even have some to exchange of their own.

Photo courtesy of Mother Mantis