Maintaining weight and remaining active at college may seem to be IMPOSSIBLE with your workload and social life. I think we can all agree that giving up moments of “no responsibilities” to go to the gym can be challenging. Sometimes a girl just wants to lay in bed and watch Netflix, right? What if I told you I had 10 simple tips to help those sneaky “freshman 15” pounds stop sneaking back without giving up your precious college time? As a girl who has struggled with her weight – these are the top 10 tips I have learned to remain healthy and of course, happy!
1. Drink a lot of water and ONLY water (with the exception of coffee)!
I know. I know! You have seen and read this suggestion a million and one times on every weight-loss advice article, however; the truth of the matter is if you increase your water intake and cut out sugary drinks, you will start to feel amazing and lose water weight! Also, don’t feel like you have to give up coffee! How would you function without it? The caffeine can actually give you a boost of energy to burn more calories ~ hey thanks coffee.
2. Find a gym buddy
Sometimes getting to the gym doesn’t sound super fun, but if you have a friend to go with it can be lots of fun! I think everyone can agree that doing an ab workout alone is not fun! So find that one friend (or even friends) to create a great workout and have fun while doing it. You may just forget in the moment how hard you are working out!
3. Challenge your Fitbit friends
FitBit was made by the gods! This little accessory tracks every step you take. They are a little pricy, but in my opinion they are worth the money! Join in on daily and weekly challenges with your friends! It will give you the incentive to get more steps every day!
4. Find out what workout classes your school runs
Want to get out of your room, socialize and burn calories? Find out what exercise classes your school has to offer! Most schools offer yoga, which also relieves stress (who doesn’t need stress relief?) and zumba, a class where it is so easy to laugh with your friends because if you aren’t musically inclined it’s hilarious to watch!
5. Weight Loss Programs
Sometimes colleges, like the University of Scranton, offer programs such as Weight Watchers for the students to join. Taking part in such a program really makes you stay on track with eating healthy! It’s also a great place to find other people in the same position as you!
6. Take the long way to class
This might sound crazy! Why would you take the hilly ten-minute path rather than the straight seven-minute walk? Answer: You are burning more calories and workin’ those glutes. Taking the long way to class is nice because more times than not, you will run into more familiar faces. (Try this on the way back from class too!)
7. Go on night walks with your friends
Are you bored at night in your room? Ever wonder what to do with yourself? Instead of just hanging out in the dorm room, take everyone outside. Go for a nightly walk with your friends where you guys can talk about your day and the latest update on the boy you are talking to.
8. Make small changes ~ veggies instead of fries
You are allowed to treat yourself every once in a while, however; if you make small healthy decisions each day they will add up and show.
9. Try and get good sleep
This one definitely sounds like a funny joke! Does any college student really get eight hours of sleep a night? Highly doubt it. However, if you can get to bed early one night out the week, you might just be surprised at how great you’ll feel the rest of the week!
10. Be positive ~ at the end of the day, you are beautiful just the way you are!