After having a stressful week filled with exams, research papers, and trying to squeeze in a workout or two, the last thing us collegiettes want to do is worry about dieting (especially when we get the munchies at 1 a.m. or are out with our girls.) While I encourage everyone to treat themselves to their favorite dessert or restaurant every once in a while, some of these choices we make often are putting a serious roadblock on our health goals.
Whenever my girlfriends wanted to get fast food I always suggested Chipotle because I thought it was a little bit healthier. But did you know an average burrito there packs in over 1100 calories? And that’s before you add an order of chips and salsa! If you must eat at Chipotle, nix the tortilla and opt for a burrito bowl and keep the salsa, sour cream, and cheeses to a minimum to cut a few calories.
This at-home burrito bowl tastes great and comes in at around 310 calories. And the only prep work is browning the meat!
What you’ll need…
- Ground beef, turkey, or chicken (the leaner the better)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- A can of black beans
- Shredded lettuce
- Cilantro
- 1 tomato
- Guacamole
While you are browning the meat, add in your seasoning until the excess water is gone. Plate the meat and add black beans and other toppings for a much healthier take on Tex-Mex!
Treating yourself to a milkshake after a rough week isn’t a crime but who needs a banana pudding milkshake from cookout when you can make a delicious (I swear!) banana shake at home? Cookout’s comes in at around 660 calories and 220 of these are from fat. Ours comes in at around 230 calories and has a lot more nutritional value.
What you’ll need…
- Almond Milk
- 1 Large banana
- Almond butter
- Honey
- Ice (optional)
Blend until smooth for an awesome treat that works for breakfast, dessert, or you could even add protein powder for post workout!
Craving a Hindenburg from Macado’s or a Vito from Jimmy John’s? While sandwiches may not be the most awful thing out there, they may still be worse for you than you think. The Hindenburg, for instance has over 2,000 milligrams of sodium! If you must eat out, try to get a lettuce wrap at Jimmy John’s or Which Wich, and keep the processed meats and condiments to a minimum. If you’re craving a sandwich at home, try a bell pepper sandwich as a much healthier alternative!
What you’ll need…
- Bell Pepper
- Lunchmeat (watch the sodium and preservatives though!)
- Sliced Cheese
- Any veggies you want to add like spinach, tomato, or cucumbers!
Eating healthy is tough sometimes but making food at home and knowing the nutritional value in foods when you go out are good first steps to being fit!
Images:
http://road2six.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/91ad0b89-f19f-40a3-b3a8-9bb321d0b955.jpg
http://goingforthree.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/cookout-menu.jpg
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