1. Wake up, eat breakfast- starts metabolism (healthy breakfast)
A common misconception I know us girls constantly partake in is thinking less is better, and that breakfast is the easiest meal to skip because we’re usually the least hungry at that point or in a rush; however, what people don’t realize is a healthy breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up actually speeds up the metabolism, not to mention it helps to wake you up to start your day off and do more with it!
2. Coffee
As college kids we NEED our coffee, but what we don’t realize is our “coffees” sometimes are barely even coffee, they’re mainly sugar, milk, or syrups with a splash of coffee. It can take up a whole meal of calories that we’re not accounting for, and sometimes we don’t stop at 1 a day! Try to stick to more simples orders such as coffees with almond milk, or stevia sweetener.
3. Cut out sugary drinks
Like sugary coffee items, this displays more useless calories and sugars we don’t need. Curve that sweet tooth with fruit sugars, or drink a water first, then see if you still need that sugar filled drink.
4. Frozen fruit!!!
One of my personal favorite college hacks, is frozen fruit. It comes in bulk and is way cheaper than if you purchased that much fresh fruit! It’s great to eat alone, in oatmeal/yogurts, and in smoothies.
5. Exercise at least once a day.
Yes, it sounds cliché and overstated, exercise…exercise…exercise, but the importance of exercise is not just for physical health but also for mental health. With the stress of school, sports, friends, and being away from home, it’s great to release some endorphins and clear the head!
6. Water! Water! Water!
I can’t stress this one enough. Water is literally the number one rule. For good for skin, hair, appetite, digestion, literally anything and everything. Drink your water, drink your water, and yes, drink your water.
7. Sleep! Sleep! Sleep!
One of the best calorie burners (for all my nappers out there)- YES! SLEEP! So for all you night owls getting minimal hours of sleep, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. With that reason aside, in general, we all need our rest, so apply that face mask, tuck yourself in, and get that beauty sleep, girl. You’ll feel great in the morning… just in time for breakfast (;
8. Weekend junk foods… can’t help you there…
ENJOY IT AND WORK IT OFF TOMMORROW
9. Cook!
If you have campus housing, cook for yourself! Make healthy alternatives that the dining hall doesn’t provide.
11. Do your makeup and hair once in a while. Love yourself!
Self-love and mental health are the MOST important aspects in these years. So, be kind to yourself, take study breaks, get some fresh air, and treat yourself. Stay organized to relieve stress, and mainly just have fun. We’re living the so-called best years of our lives, take advantage of it and be your best self. Set little goals and achieve them. Now make them bigger. Achieve them. Keep going! And be the person who you’re probably paying a lot of student loans to become!