Recently, I’ll admit I’ve been off my diet game. Okay let’s be real, I’ve never really had to diet much in my life but I think it’s about time to cut back on a few things just to be healthier. Being at home for spring break has been kind of a death trap because my mom keeps sweets lying all around the house. I walked in and there were brownies, a cake and chocolate chip cookies on the counter and then tubs of ice cream in the freezer. Knowing me, I would reach for a brownie well before I would ever think to bite into an apple or spend time cutting up an orange. So, post-spring break, I have decided to try incorporating a healthy diet into my life for REAL for the first time. Here are a few things I’ve had time to read up on:
- Forget the milk. Drinking a cup of black coffee per day speeds up the metabolism and decreases risk for suffering a stroke later in life. (Good thing I like black coffee).
- Go for the berries! Eat blueberries and blackberries to prevent certain types of cancer. They are also good for snacks.
- Six is the magic number. Eating six meals per day is the most effective way to burn fat and lose weight. By eating small-portioned meals, it keeps your metabolism running all day. Pair lean proteins with a small serving of broccoli or asparagus, or make a small salad with oil and vinegar dressing.
- Run. Run. Run. Running is down-to-the-basics best thing you can do to lose unwanted weight. That simple.
- Say no to sweats. Dress for class instead of rolling out of bed in sweats. Okay, so I’m totally guilty for going to class in glasses and sweats (woops) but this little tidbit really IS true. When I take the time to do my hair and pick out an outfit, I just feel more confident the next day.
- Take a walk. This past semester, I’ve learned that Wallermill Park is a great place to relax and take a walk. If I need a break or need to get off campus, I head over to Wallermill to walk around one of their beautiful trials. There’s even one with wooden stand that overlooks the lake.
- Delete the Drama. If you’re in a feud with one of your friends or someone just hasn’t been rubbing you the right way lately, take a break. I’ll be honest when I say that the ol’ “I lost my phone” trick has come in handy a few times when I just don’t want to talk to someone.
- Avoid processed food. Believe it or not 100 Calorie packs may only be 100 calories but the sugar and carbs might set you back on your goal. Snack on pistachios or fresh berries instead.
- Brush it off! When you get cravings, brush your teeth. The minty flavor will eradicate any need for chocolate and your tastebuds will be satisfied once and for all.
- Snack smart. We’re all college students. The old rule “don’t eat after 12:00am” doesn’t work. In fact, eating after 12:00 am might just boost your metabolism even more. Just make sure it’s the RIGHT stuff (steamed green beans or broccoli) and drink lots of water.
I’m hoping these little tips will help me stay on top of my game for the second half of the semester. It’s my goal to see how far I can healthily reach my goals and push my body to the next level in terms of weight lifting and exercising. I want to be able to max out at higher weights. So a healthy diet is definitely needed!