Staying Healthy This Fall Semester

Ahhh, another summer has come and gone away faster than you could say "say your name and one fun fact about you." Yes, friends, I am here to tell you that the fall semester at your nearest university has begun (or about to, at least)! While some of the freshest froshs put away their dorm room necessities and pick out their first day outfits, some of us more experienced college attenders groan over syllabi, fun facts about us, and yes, even our ever-so-anticipated-yet-completely-dreaded fall semester weight gain.

As a 5th year college student, I can attest that gaining weight while in school is nearly inevitable - impossible to avoid by some standards. But have no fear! I have some simple solutions and tricks that will help you stay healthy this semester and beyond!

---

1. Limit your alcohol

It is no surprise that most kids go out and party every once and a while during their college careers. It is also no surprise that your Bud Light Lime-a-Rita and Jungle Juice aren't exactly the healthiest things to be consuming. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram and carbohydrates contain about 4 calories per gram. This little tidbit of math thus shows that your beloved Lime-a-Rita (8% alcohol content) is a whopping 220 calories and for a measly 8 ounces...because let's be honest, you probably won't just have one. Multiply that by 3 or 4 and you are just drinking away those calories all while cinching your pants tighter. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not here to bash alcohol or those who enjoy it now and again. I'm just raising awareness to these sugar-filled, calorically dense drinks. Also, please drink responsibly if you're over the legal age!

2. Drink your water

So if you had a liiiiitle too much to drink last night, you just had a killer cycling class, or you're hanging out at your apartment's pool - DRINK YOUR H2O! Water will help flush out those nasty toxins from your wild night. Water will replenish your levels in your body after that intense workout; no dehydration here! Water is great to keep you cool, quench your thirst, and aide in your weight loss goals too! Not to mention a plethora of other health and wellness benefits. (Should I make a separate post all about water?) I always encourage my friends or clients to aim to drink 8-12 glasses of water each day - or about 64-96 fluid ounces.

3. Get moving

Exercise, along with proper nutrition, is the elixir of life. Squeeze in any sort of exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Take advantage of your school's rec center. Walk to your classes instead of hopping on your university's bus system. Get involved in an intramural sport. Sign up for a group class with your best friend. Whatever you do, simply get up, turn off Netflix, and get moving! Your body - and your mind - will thank you!

4. Eat the rainbow

No, not Skittles! Eat an array of colorful fruits and vegetables; they provide sooo many health benefits! I know life on campus can make eating healthy extremely hard, but it is definitely possible if you try hard enough! If you live in a dorm and preparing food is limited, hit up your closest dining hall and make a side salad, fill half of your plate with colorful veggies, or grab a piece of raw fruit! If you live off campus, try to keep the majority of your grocery shopping limited to the perimeter of the store. Opt for fresh produce and meal prep a couple meals ahead of time so you always have a healthy meal on hand. If you happen to belong to a sorority or fraternity, take advantage of the freshest produce options that your house offers (limit those Fried Fridays!) Also, if you go to a school in an area where farmer's markets are available, go support your local farmers all while getting some great produce!

5. REST

Might be hard to believe, but rest is essential to the health of your body and mind, especially while you're in college. College brings about some of the most stressful years of your life and while you may not be able to avoid that, you can schedule aside some time to rest your mind and body. Try setting aside 15 minutes each morning for meditation or prayer. Take a 10 minute break to get up and stretch for every hour of studying that you do. If you love to write, try journaling your highs and lows of the day. If you just had a killer workout, make sure to stretch and go enjoy a bubble bath and a replenishing meal. Whatever is it, make sure you give yourself some "you time" every day!

6. Get some accountability

We're all human here and sometimes you can follow steps 1-5 and still slip further and further away from your goals. Been there, done that. When life gets in the way and your determination is deteriorating, go on and sign up for my 1:1 coaching package or 30 day workshop! I will be your accountability parter, your cheerleader, your food teacher, and your goal confidant! If that sounds like something you may be interested in, head over to the services tab and send me an email with the package you may be interested in!