Health and fitness have always been important, however, it seems as though the idea of eating healthy and working out is all the craze nowadays. If you are like me, you are always looking for healthier food alternatives or a new recipe that will keep me from eating out or from eating straight junk. Although you try to do so, you might find it to be nearly impossible at some points to not go for that slice of (or whole) pizza just calling your name in the kitchen. As a college student, there is a constant pressure of eating unhealthy food, especially when you have roommates or live in your sorority house with others who are on their own type of diets.
Now, there is nothing wrong with eating junk in moderation. For your sanity, you need to have that milkshake with your burger and fries every once in a while. The first rule to fat loss and eating healthy is BALANCE. If you constantly deprive yourself of certain foods that are considered “bad for you,” then, when you do decide to allow yourself to eat them, you will find yourself binge eating and 2,000-calories-in-one-sitting later is when you will regret it and you will realize that it has an effect on your body.
In the meantime, there are so many alternatives that could change the way you eat for the better. Using avocado in place of butter, for example. Sounds crazy, but if you think about it, avocado can have the same effect that butter has especially when being used in a pan. Another healthy swap is sweet potato fries for regular fries. Carbs are your main enemy, not fats. At least they are your main enemy for fat loss; however, you need carbs to give you energy. Don’t deprive yourself of the energy that your lack of sleep is already doing.
Another alternative, my personal favorite, is almond milk for dairy milk. Dairy gets a bad rep. Believe me, I love cheese as much as the next girl, and while dairy has a lot of healthy fats that are good for you, it is best to eat them in moderation.
Zoodles are all the rave right now as well. If you have not heard of the marvelous creation, zoodles are zucchini noodles. These are an amazing swap for spaghetti noodles with a significantly less amount of calories and carbs than regular pasta noodles. Also, the name is cute, so I highly suggest you give it a try.
There are so many different Instagram accounts and articles out there that are extremely helpful in making healthier choices. Don’t be afraid of what your roommates bring to the kitchen or if they want to go out to eat, either. Like I said, you do not have to deprive yourself of eating unhealthy, but balance is extremely important and the first step to that healthier lifestyle that you are wanting. Choosing healthier alternatives and ingredients can also make your favorite meals a lot more health conscious. Above all, it is important to give your body what it needs (even if it is that one slice of cake) and not deprive it from happiness.