1. Drink more water.
While water is a bland choice, a cold glass not only speeds up your metabolism, but also detoxifies the body. It is suggested that you drink 6-8 cups a day. This may be hard for some, but dedicate yourself to doing so and you will see results. Do not be afraid of gaining water weight…water will not bloat you; it will actually have the opposite effect.
2. Don’t eat late night.
I’m sure many of us are guilty of binge eating late at night, whether it’s a night spent watching Netflix or going downtown. However, try hard to limit eating in the couple hours before sleep. The later you eat, the less time your body has to burn those calories before you call it a night. The most effective way to keep your metabolism going is to have 6 small meals throughout the day. This may sound like a large amount, but eating smart and eating frequently will do the trick! A side tip is to chew sugar free gum instead of snacking aimlessly, because most of the time we are just bored not hungry.
3. Avoid the side of chips or fries.
As a college student, it is hard to avoid temptation, especially for those who live on campus. A meal plan allows for almost any meal to come with a side of fries or chips, but don’t disregard the option to substitute fruit. In the short time we have left before break choose the healthier option. Not only will your calorie intake be lower, your energy will be higher.
4. Eat vegetables.
It is much harder than it seems to get a full day’s serving of vegetables. However, it is not impossible ladies. Fill your plates with greens for the most nutrition and lowest calories. The more color you have on your plate, the better your body will respond.
5. Get rid of ‘empty calories’.
If you think long and hard, how many calories are you taking in that barely fill you? Substitute your Frappuccino, for a plain cup of coffee (no added sugar and cream), or your sweet tea for an unsweetened tea. For all the soda addicts out there, make the switch to diet for a while. Little changes like this will make a difference in a short period of time.
6. Cardio sessions.
You don’t have to kill yourself at the gym for hours, but a 30-minute cardio session daily will definitely pay off. While the treadmill is sure to burn the most calories, if you aren’t a runner there are plenty of other options, especially in our gym. In 30-minutes you can burn around 300 calories give or take if you allow yourself to get a little sweaty. A great way to have some fun burning calories is by taking a Group X class. For only $20 you have unlimited access to workout classes for the entire semester and it is a great way to mix up your workout routine.
7. Walk more.
Don’t take the shuttle, or grab a ride from a friend. Walking a few extra miles a day is something most are surely capable of. Not only will this help tone your body, you will also be burning calories without even thinking about it. Taking the long way instead of the short-cut route, or even taking the stairs a few times a week will pay off!
8. Sacrifice one guilty pleasure.
Whether candy or cheese is your weakness, pick one food and cut it out of your diet for the short period of time. Don’t be unrealistic with yourself though. Pick a food that you know isn’t great for you, and one that you feel you can restrain yourself from having for a little while. Doing so is likely to decrease the percentage of fat or carbs you take in daily.
9. Eat breakfast.
I’m sure you have probably been told this your entire life, but unfortunately it is a necessary evil. Eating breakfast kick starts your metabolism and curbs your hunger throughout the day. Don’t let lack of time be an excuse. Grabbing a piece or fruit, yogurt, or even a healthy low-cal granola bar requires no preparation.
10. Get a full night sleep.
Staying up until 3 a.m. watching Netflix won’t do your body any good. I won’t claim that the extra hours will make you less tired in the morning (because we all know we will be tired regardless as college students), but it will allow your body to rest and recharge itself. Plus, you can burn 300-400 calories just while sleeping… it doesn’t get easier than that!