This is part of Her Campus BC’s “Have a Healthy New Year” series, which focuses on eating healthier, getting in shape, and making 2011 great without going to extremes. Look for a new article in this series every day this week!
New Year’s is a time for resolutions. Some resolve to be better friends while others try to give up certain indulgences or perhaps try harder in school. When everyone returns from winter break, it’s apparent that one of the most popular resolutions among BC students is to eat healthier or hit the gym more often. Although exercise is very important, too much time spent in the gym can be overbearing. There are other ways to stay fit at Boston College. Spend around five to eight hours in the gym per week, and then do little actions during the day to increase your amount of exercise. Do a set of twenty crunches before bed and take the stairs instead of the elevator. These little steps will help you stay fit and healthy.
We also live very close to a city that provides many opportunities to exercise off campus. Go for a scenic walk in the Boston Common, go skiing with friends at a nearby mountain in Massachusetts or even New Hampshire, or go ice skating right at the Frog Pond. These opportunities are very accessible to students at Boston College and they provide a little fun and adventure.
After the holidays, we also return to dining hall food, which for freshman means a meal plan that allows them to purchase whatever they desire. It is important to eat in moderation and to choose healthy options. Avoid the chips and junk food. Instead, try reaching for fruit or a yogurt. Moderation is also important: you can certainly have a snack or treat, but instead of every day try to indulge only once a week.
Another important tip is to eat slowly. Your stomach takes a certain amount of time to recognize that it is full. If you eat quickly, you will eat more than necessary because of the time it takes for your stomach to process the food.
Exercising consistently and moderately as well as monitoring your diet are ways to keep yourself healthy for the New Year. It’s not necessary or healthy to go overboard. Here’s to a healthy lifestyle and a happy New Years!