College is a huge transitional time for students as they are entering an entirely new chapter of their lives. For me, it took me awhile to get fully adjusted to the college lifestyle and how to stay healthy. It was extremely different from living at home, being active through school sports and let's face it, my body changing!
Here are some simple tips to take with you as you head back to school in order to live your best life at your university!
Tip 1: Drink Lots of Water
- Drink at least half of your body weight in water a day. The benefits of water include healthy skin, weight regulation and regulates your body temperature as you walk outside in the heat to your classes. Helpful ways to get your ounces in are by bringing a refillable water bottle to classes (there are water fountains all over campus). Wake up and drink water before you eat or drink anything else such as coffee. I like to drink 16 ounces of water before each meal! This also helps with digestion.
My Favorite Water Bottle: Hydro Flask 32 ounce w/ Straw Lid {$44.95} Link Here
Tip 2: Choose Healthier Options at the Dining Hall
- I know coming into college and not having a kitchen makes it harder to eat healthy. However, if you just look a little bit deeper at the options in your dining hall, you may be surprised! Instead of getting fries every day at lunch, maybe eat fries 1-2 days a week and the rest of the time sub out fries for a nice side of veggies, fruit or a salad. It is all about BALANCE. Do not feel that you have to cut out certain food groups or specific items, just try to choose healthy when you can. There will always be salads available, vegetables, grilled chicken and other sources of protein in your dining hall.
Here is an easy guide I like to use for my meals each day!
- Breakfast: 50% protein, 50% carbohydrates
- Lunch: 50% protein, 25% vegetables, 25% carbohydrates
- Dinner: 25% protein, 75% vegetables
Tip 3: Take the Stairs
- You may not be able to workout as much as you thought you would while you get adjusted to your classes, work load and other activities during the school year. However, small, active changes to your lifestyle can add up. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. WALK to class. Park your car farther away in the parking garage. All these small things can make a difference in the long run.
Tip 4: Limit Late Night Eating and/or What You Consume At Night
- After a late night out, it may be tempting to stop at Cook-Out, grab pizza or eat an entire bag of chips; however, there are ways to prevent this! Instead of stopping somewhere before you go home, try to head home as soon as you are ready to go and come back to a place you know is comforting and that has other healthier options. Stock your fridge with carrots and hummus, chips and salsa, popcorn or lots of fruit. These options are better than fries, milkshakes and nuggets and will leave you feeling much better the next morning.
Tip 5: Book Classes at Your School Gym
- Most bigger campuses have a gym, and they also offer very CHEAP if not FREE instructed classes. If you struggle going to the gym by yourself or making time for the gym each day, schedule designated classes 2-3 times a week in order to keep you active, sweaty and accountable! Book a class with your friend and hold each other to going, or allow yourself a nice reward if you go to a certain amount of classes a week - such as a Starbucks drink on campus!
Tip 6: Plan Active Activities With Friends
- Instead of just hanging out in the dorm room or apartment all the time with your roommates/friends, try doing active activities with them such as going to the pool, going to the gym, going on a hike or walking around a fresh local market on the weekend! The possibilities are endless. This is a great way to make new friends while doing something good for your body!
Tip 7: Watch out for Liquid Calories
- I used to get so many fancy drinks from Starbucks on campus and did not even realize how many calories or sugar was filled inside them! Be smart when you want a coffee or a special drink while you are out and about on campus. They truly add up!
Here is my go-to Starbucks order I like to drink on campus!
- iced coffee unsweetened
- sugar free vanilla syrup
- splash of almond milk
This keeps me full, satisfied and energized throughout the day!