Can you really have a healthy lifestyle in college?
by: Carolyn Garcia
As you were getting ready to return back to campus or for your first year on campus, you probably stopped yourself from packing your new pair of skinny jeans. “I’m probably not going to fit into these after a week being in college,” you told yourself. Well you were wrong. It’s time to put all those notions aside of the freshman 15, sophomore 20, junior 25 and the senior 30, because it’s actually possible to live a healthy lifestyle in college. Luckily, we have the right tips to get you moving along the right track!
You can be active
We know after a long day of classes, the last thing on your mind is to hit up the CRS, run into people you know, and throw yourself on the treadmill. You need to find motivation to stay healthy and active so that you won’t have to see working out as a dreadful thing. Try some of the fun fitness classes that the Rec offers such as Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba.
To avoid that “OMG, everyone’s staring at me as I sweat” fear, grab your gym buddy so that you won’t feel completely alone in working that bod (Disclaimer: People who go to the gym probably have your same goal so they’re most likely not going to care about what you’re doing). Try to workout at least three days a week while giving yourself time to study and finish homework. If you already know you’re going to have a lot to do after class, then get that workout in the morning. If gyms really just aren’t your thing, there are tons more options. One thing you can do is can join an intramurals team, so that not only are you getting fit but you’re socializing as well. Gather a team with the people on your dorm floor or another organization that you’re involved with on campus and try out some fun sports like soccer, basketball, or ultimate frisbee.
You can eat healthy
One of the main reasons why we college students have the potential to gain weight has a lot to do with always being on the go, stressful eating, and late night cravings. When we’re hungry we have that mentality of “I’m hungry and I need food NOW!”
First thing’s first, I’m the realest.. (Thank you Iggy), but seriously the first thing we have to realize is that part of living a healthy life in college is taking it easy. We should check out all the options in front of us and narrow it down to something that is on the healthy side with lots of protein. I know salads can get boring, so change it up by planning a cooking night with your roommates. Unleash your inner Rachael Ray and whip up something tasty and healthy with your pals. Seasoned Veggies with Grilled Chicken shouldn’t take the whole night to make. You can also look up recipes on Pinterest that are light and easy to recreate.
You don’t have to go full out detox crazy to start eating right. Don’t restrict yourself too much, instead stick a cheat day in once in awhile. We all know stressful eating is bound to happen, so maybe it’s best to cut back on those M&Ms and stock up on some nuts like almonds, sunflower seeds, and pistachios or easy to eat fruits like grapes and oranges. For the late night cravings, those can be easily controlled. Start off your morning with a good breakfast and no, just the lucky charm marshmallows don’t count. Try to make sure you also eat lunch at a reasonable time leaving space for dinner before 7 P.M. You can snack mindfully in between and drink lots of water so that you won’t feel as if you’re going to pass out if you don’t eat right away. This will leave you feeling satisfied throughout the entire night and those late night cravings will be last semester’s problems.
You can watch what you drink
If you’re back on campus as a new 21-year-old, you’re probably going to want to celebrate at least every weekend and become the bartender’s best friend.
If you’re planning to drink, be mindful of what drinks you have. Counting calories will be the last thing on your mind, but those awesome fishbowls that everyone and their moms have pictures with, are loaded with tons of sugar, which all adds up. Sure you can enjoy one, but don’t make it a habit. A serving of light beer, red wine or white wine has about 100 calories, so having one or two won’t ruin your healthy living momentum. If you’re a mixer type of gal, use club soda, lemons, limes or honey for a healthier alternative in mixing your drinks with something else.
You can sleep
You just got back from the gym and had enough time to finish your homework. It’s getting late and you’re feeling tired but you finally have time to catch up on Orange is The New Black. We know what you’re going to do instead of sleeping and you made the right choice because you need to find out what Crazy Eyes did! Just kidding! Leave the binge-watch for Saturday night and instead try to get some sleep, especially if you know you have early classes the next day. Even if you don’t have those dreadful 8 A.M. lectures, it’s still important to get 7-8 hours of sleep. The only way you’re going to stay awake and energized throughout the day is if you allow your body to rest.
It’s important to maintain your social life while you’re in college, but if you have to miss one party to get your studying or your papers in, it’s not the end of the world. There will be plenty of more parties for you to go to. Your grades will thank you, but more importantly your body will too.
If you read through these tips and now believe that you can live a healthy lifestyle in college, then we are so proud of you! You’ve accomplished so much to get to where you are so enjoy your years in college and don’t let them go by fast. Your body allows you to do all the things you love and all the daily functions you do, so treat it right. If you’re eating and drinking cautiously you’ll be prone to feeling good about yourself, which will allow you to continue staying active. You’ll get enough sleep so that you can stay focused in college. The secrets to a healthy lifestyle really are all interconnected! Well Collegiettes, the ball is in your court and we know you’ll make great decisions. Best of luck!
P.S. Make sure to retrieve those skinny jeans the next time you go home!