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7 Easy Steps to a Healthy Lifestyle in Time For Summer

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Buff State chapter.

The semester is almost over and everyone is desparately trying to get back into shape to have that “Summer Bod.” However, dieting and quick fixes from the internet are honestly a waste of time. The only way to ensure a fit and healthy summer bod is by leading a healthy lifestyle! Now, I know change is totally scary but I assure you, this change is definitely for the better. Being a healthy, happy you is not as hard as everyone makes it out to be! Here are 7 easy steps to help you get started!

1.)  Drink Water

It’s super important to stay hydrated now that the weather is getting warmer! Drinking tons of water not only keeps you hydrated but it’s amazing for your skin, hair, digestive system and just about every other part of your body.

2.)  Get Sleep

Everyone always says how important sleep is so it sounds cliché, but it’s so true! Getting enough sleep lets your body heal it’s self, which is much needed when you’re working out or just a college student constantly on the go. The more well rested you are, the more energy you have throughout the day, the more energy you have the more likely you are to exercise and be a lot less cranky.

3.)  Exercise

Exercising is obviously a huge factor when it comes to getting that “summer bod.” But it’s also super important for living a healthy happy life. Exercising releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don’t shoot their husbands! – But seriously, the release of endorphins does put you in a better mood, exercising also helps with digestion, strengthen your body and mind and if you do the right combination enough times you’ll end up with a flat tummy and a poppin’ booty too!

4.)  Clean Eating

Eat waaaay more fruits and veggies! As annoying as eating healthy can be, if you change your lifestyle and start eating clean you will feel a huge difference. Eating healthier options not only will give you way more energy and make you feel a lot less bloated and sick, but most healthy whole foods have secret super powers. So if you’re looking for that long summer hair, or sun kissed glowing skin eat clean! Processed junk food may be taste and super easy to prepare but it’s just going to hurt you in the long run. Learning to make healthier meals will bring you out of your foodie comfort zone and advance your cooking skills! That being said it’s totally okay to treat yo’ self every once in a while!

5.)  Vitamins

Definitely talk to your doctor about this one before you just jump right in, but taking vitamin or supplements can be good for you! Things like probiotics and biotin are good for you and have awesome effects on your body! Probiotics are good bacteria that help with digestion and getting rid of bloating! And Biotin is an awesome supplement that helps make your hair thicker and longer, make your nails stronger and your skin brighter!

6.)  Avoid Carbonation

Swapping out carbonated drinks with water or teas helps get rid of uncomfortable bloating! I know that soda is delicious but it’s super carbonated and sugar which will just make you bloated, uncomfortable and can give you a stomachache so it’s best to skip out on the over carbonated drinks!

7.)  Self-acceptance and a positive mind

We all want that ideal summer body, but don’t forget to just be grateful for the body that you have. Our bodies are capable of amazing things and should be treated with care and respect from ourselves! So show yourself a ton of love and keep a positive mind. If you have a good outlook on life and treat yourself like a queen everything will work out and fall in line for you. Whether it’s your ideal summer bod, or a new job, a healthy lifestyle and a positive mind will take you a long way! Plus if you’re gonna start exercising, you have the perfect excuse to go shopping for new workout clothes!

Katlyn McNamara is a senior at Buffalo State College. She studies Public Relations and runs for their Cross Country and Track & Field team. With a big background in theatre her dream job is to move out to LA and be an actress. Before heading out to LA she would like to be a performer at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida. Along the way she would like to create her own non-profit organization to help animals as well as anyone in need. She has a passion for blogging and social media and has her own YouTube Channel. Fun facts about Katlyn: her nickname is Kat, her rolemodel is Lauren Conrad, guilty pleasure tv show is the House Wives and her favorite season is Autumn.