Back-to-School. Tips and what I can do for you.

It's back to school season! Buying textbooks, loads of papers, cramming for tests, procrastination, and no time for anything. I find it difficult to stay on top of exercising and eating healthy during the school year with all the stress involved with classes and my work schedule. Maybe you feel the same? Life gets in the way, sometimes. I'm used to working out 5-6 days a week for at least an hour a day and making all my meals at home, but once school starts, I'm lucky to get a 30 minute workout  in 3 days a week! I think there are many who can share my feelings on this subject: how can I stay in shape and keep weight off during the school year?

I believe that I have figured out a few things that are helpful to keep weight off, so here are my tips to you:

• Discipline: Discipline yourself with how much alcohol you drink. You don't need to drink every thirsty thursday, friday, and saturday. You just don't need to. Ahem..beer belly? Not attractive.
• Sleep: Don't go to bed at 2 am and get 4 hours of sleep. You're body and mind needs at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Try to go to bed around the same time every night. I go to bed around 10:30 and probably get a solid 8 hours of sleep almost every night. You will feel more refreshed and alert and won't be grabbing for so much caffeine throughout the day.

• Snacks-to-go: You're going to need food throughout the day to keep you fueled up and for your brain to function. Pick snacks that are high in protein and have a low glycemic index. The lower the GI is, the slower it will be released in your body, so your blood sugar won't spike and you won't become even more hungry. I like to throw apples, bananas, almonds, and granola bars into my backpack for between classes when I don't have time to have a meal. My favorite granola bars are Kashi, Nature Valley, and Kind bars.

• Make time: Set aside time in your day, maybe on days with fewer classes or no work, for a 30-60 minute workout. It could be going for a walk, yoga, pilates, swimming, whatever you enjoy doing.  Not only will the benefit your physical health, it will benefit your mental health. This will give your brain a break and can greatly help de-stress yourself.
• Sneak in a workout:  Standing in line? Do calf raises. Elevator or stairs? Take the stairs. It will work your butt and legs, get your heart rate up, and with a backpack on you'll burn more calories due to the extra weight. And the stairs are quicker! Got some extra time between classes? Take a longer route to get to class or take a walk around campus. Walking where there aren't many people? Be brave and do some walking lunges. Who cares who sees you! At least you'll have a nice ass :)

 

Now, here's what I am going to do for you and for me. Per my sisters request, she asked me to 1) write about staying fit and keeping weight off during the school year, and 2) include quick, easy, and healthy meals that are easy for on the go. I like the idea of meals for on the go, whether breakfast or lunch, because as a student, we're always on the go.  As I find recipes and come up with new ideas, I will post and share them with you all. This will be fun for me!  Please give me sometime, though, as I am also a full-time college student and work part-time.

The tips I stated above, I honestly do do every day.  On campus, I always choose to take the stairs, even if its 8 flights of stairs. Also, I'm a commuter and my parking ramp is at least half a mile from campus, so I'm lucky enough to get a good walk in every day. When I started college two years ago, I was very focused on not gaining weight. I'm happy to say that I didn't and haven't gained a single pound. I do make time to workout, I do sleep at night, I don't excessively drink, and I do keep fruit and healthy snacks with me always (apples keep me full for hours!). You need to discipline yourself, make time for yourself, and don't procrastinate. Oh, and of course...HAVE FUN! Enjoy yourself!

These are simple and easy things you can do every day. No excuses. Let's have a wonderful school year! Good grades, meeting new people, going to football games, and staying healthy. We can do it and I'll be your support system, I promise. Have a wonderful day and first day of classes! :)