Watch Your Diet
Portions
Portion is key for a healthy diet. Dieticians say your plate should be viewed in fractions. Half of your plate should be filled with veggies. Whether you choose green, crunchy or leafy, the more vegetables the better! The other side of your plate should be split into proteins and grains. The great part of portions is you still get a full plate of food, but fill up in a less caloric way.
Healthy Snacks
Filling up on healthy snacks throughout the day helps keep you from overeating at your three major meals. Almonds, Greek yogurt and hummus are all great options to keep your stomach from growling in between meals.
Water
While soda, tea and coffee are staples in most girls’ diets, water often gets the boot. As hard as it is too drink the recommended dosage of H20 per day, it makes a world of a difference in the way your body feels.
Home Workouts
Whether you’re slammed with upcoming tests or just not in the mood to trek all the way to the gym, there are quick and easy workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home. You don’t need weights or any fancy equipment, just a simple2 open space!
The 100 Workout (Found at losinggweight.tumblr.com)
- 100 jumping jacks
- 90 crunches
- 80 squats
- 70 leg lifts
- 60 jumping jacks
- 50 crunches
- 40 squats
- 30 leg lifts
- 20 jumping jacks
- Run for 10 minutes
Explore the Great Outdoors
Local Trails
Heading outdoors to your local trails is a great way to spice up your workout. Alternating between the gym and the great outdoors will keep your workouts fun and not as predictable. For days it’s rainy, sweltering or freezing, head to the gym to run, walk or bike inside. During the other days, enjoy the fresh air and beautiful weather while you exercise!
Pool Time
There is nothing like laying out on a gorgeous sunny day. However, as college students, we often neglect the actual pool itself. This spring, embrace your inner kid and swim! You don’t need to be official with a swim cap and goggles, but getting in the pool and moving around is a great form of exercise. Not interested in swimming? Round up your friends for old school pool games like categories or start a game of water volleyball!
Canoe and Kayak
This time of year is perfect for canoeing and kayaking! Head to a nearby lake, river or ocean and set out for an adventure. If you don’t have your own canoe or kayak, many locations offer rentals for a small fee. It’s a fun way to burn calories and have fun with your friends!
Sign-Up For Group Fitness Classes
Upbeat Classes
Zumba, turbo kick and urban hip hop are workout classes that get your heart pumping! These hour long classes fly by as you dance to upbeat songs. Don’t worry; no dance background is necessary. The instructors realize everyone is at different dance levels, so they focus on fun, easy moves to give you the burn you’re looking for.
Relaxation
Looking for a way to relax, but still burn calories? Yoga and Pilates allow you to channel your energy into a positive space while getting a great workout in. Don’t expect loud music in either of these classes. They have a peaceful, calm energy to keep you in the zone.
Stadiums
Stadiums are a great form of conditioning. Not only is it neat to be in the stadium outside of a football game, but it’s a challenging form of cardio. You’re able to take it at your own speed and build a workout for your fitness level.
Photo courtesy of First Am Tech