Spring is right around the corner an it’s a great time to start to focus on your health! If you’ve been eating richer foods and slacking on exercising the past few months, simply adding in some healthier options to your diet again, along with plenty of movement, will make you feel incredible. With the nicer weather, your mood is going to be instantly boosted, and you’ll feel recharged and reenergized. Here are a few healthy eating and exercise tips to try out!
Diet
Hydration is Key
Drinking water is such a key part of my day. I am constantly drinking water because it reaps so many benefits. It lowers bloating, makes your skin radiant, can curb hunger, and is super refreshing. Aim for 8 glasses a day!
Eat a Rainbow of Fruits and Veggies
Incorporating color into your diet is one of the best tips in achieving a healthy diet. Real, fresh food is naturally colorful. Eat all kinds of fruits and veggies, and as many as you want! At each meal try to have a wide variety of reds, greens, oranges, yellows, & blues.
4 Quick and Simple Recipes
Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Dip
1 container of plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Mix all ingredients together, & serve with fresh apple slices.
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip
8 fat free ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup reduced fat blue cheese or ranch dressing
1/2 cup Buffalo or Red Hot sauce
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Place cream cheese into the bowl, stir until it is smooth, & add the rest of the ingredients. Warm in the microwave about 2-5 minutes until heated through. Serve with crunchy carrots and peppers.
No-Bake Energy Bites
1 cup (dry) oatmeal
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut or almond butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup honey 1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, let mixture chill in fridge for a half hour, roll into 1 inch balls.
Mini Pizza Pitas
1 whole grain pita
1/4 cup low sodium pizza sauce
1 serving fat free pepperoni or various veggies (optional)
1/4 cup skim mozzarella cheese
Assemble the pizzas, microwave for 80 seconds, let cool, cut, and enjoy!
Exercise
Make It A Part of Your Day
Just like you’re not going to skip a meal, don’t skip exercise! Make it a priority, because it makes you healthy, toned & fit. Go out to the Common for a run/walk or use the gym! It is so easy to get fit, but you need to work it into your schedule.
Simple Swaps
Instead of taking the ever-so-easy elevators conveniently located in all of our buildings on campus, use the stairs. Also, walk (if you can) instead of using public transportation.
Great Ways to Exercise While Having Fun
Zumba
This is a high energy, low pressure, Latin inspired group dance craze!
Ballet/Barre
Ballet and Barre classes are great for toning your muscles!
Kickboxing
A high-energy kickboxing class is a great way to burn tons of calories and also helps improve your confidence.
Running/Walking
Running is a great cardio activity, especially when the weather starts getting nicer out. Walking is also a great option to get your blood flowing!
Most importantly, getting healthy means having fun! Always consult a physician before starting any new diet/execise to determine if it is right for you.