Being in college can make staying healthy difficult–with so much going on and never enough hours in the day, it’s easy to slip into a routine of fast food, late night pizza, and exercise only when walking to class.  However, eating right and exercising regularly helps keep you mentally and physically fit–which is what you need to be to fight off seasonal flu as well as stay alert in class and while studying.  Here are a few things to keep in mind that will make getting to and maintaining that fabulous body image possible!

Many people believe that eating right is more expensive and time-consuming, however that is not true.  Here are some simple tips to healthy eating even on a college student’s budget and schedule:

1. Skip junk food – Not only is junk food not healthy, but it also is expensive. You may think you’re saving time by ordering a pizza, but the horrible nutrition will leave you hungry for more not long after you’ve eaten!
2. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables – Buying produce that is in season saves time at the grocery store- it’s always right up front! It’s also easy for grab-and-go snacks. Buying already washed and cut veggies, such as baby carrots or snap peas give you a great crunchy snack in as much time as it would take you to pull out those potato chips! Buying easy-to-eat fruit, such as apples or grapes, also make great take-along snacks.
3. Drink water – water is really good for you- and it’s so much faster to fill your water bottle up at the fountain or sink than to go all the way to the vending machine or convenience store to buy a soda or energy drink. Using a reusable water bottle also helps you go green!
4. Prepare your own food – You are in control of what goes into your meals if you prepare them.  It may take a few extra minutes to make, but when you think about how much time it takes to go to a restaurant, wait to be seated, wait to order, wait for your food, wait for the check… you get the idea! Plus you can make a fresh salad that tastes great in a matter of minutes- and you’ll feel a lot better about yourself when you’re done!  Or make a healthy casserole and eat the leaftovers for the next few days–cheap and easy! 

If you are strapped for time and money, you can still workout!  Your membership at Swinney Recreation Center is included in your student fees, so you can stop in for a quick workout before class. All you need is your student id, or to know your student id number to sign in.

There are also many different exercises you can do with little or no equipment.  This includes some cardio, but also exercises such as core-strengthening exercises and leg exercises. It is also helpful if you take a few extra minutes in the morning to stretch. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll feel more relaxed and focused for the remainder of your day. However, even if you don’t have time in the morning, these exercises can be done at any time of day or night- whenever you have a few minutes free! Even if you break your exercise into 3 10-minute segments each day, you’ll be doing your body a lot of good.