Implementing a healthy diet

With winter in full blast, the coziest place to be right now is either in bed or curled up on the couch with a bunch of blankets and a mug of hot cocoa. The days seem gloomy, the roads are bad to drive and it’s just simply too cold for comfort. That being said, who would want to leave their bed to work out and watch what they’re eating in the process? No one. But winter is no excuse to indulge and let yourself go. There are easy, manageable ways to keep yourself on track during the cold winter months-especially after New Year’s. One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight/eat better/work out more. But why is it so hard and unappealing to do so when winter break is over and school begins?  

Let’s take it one step at a time. First- eating healthy. It’s okay to indulge once in a while but overall, eating well will improve health and productivity. If you live off campus, have your own kitchen and know how to cook (even just basic skills), you can transform the way you eat. Go grocery shopping with a list written down of healthy ingredients. Avoid buying sweets or junk food that you will feel compelled to eat. For example, if you crave candy or soda one night but don’t have any, you will most likely fill your craving with something else. Yes there is always the option of throwing everything to the wind and driving somewhere to fill your cravings but in this weather and cold…it’s a lot less likely. Look up easy, healthy recipes online and try creating them-it can be fun! One important thing to keep in mind is not cutting yourself off completely- this will only worsen the cravings and you may reach a breaking point and eat everything you’ve been missing out on in a short time period. Instead, allow yourself some things that you really like once in a while to keep your cravings at bay but also to keep yourself in a positive, happy mood.

Students spend most of their time sitting down because of school which can take a toll on your body. Working out is a nice way to stretch those limbs and get in shape for spring break or the summer to come! Have a goal in mind, such as weight loss or muscle gain. It can be hard to get motivated but the best way to make yourself do something is putting it in your schedule as mandatory. For example, pack a gym bag and go right after class every day so you’re already out and about, awake and motivated. The more you do this, the more it’ll become a habit and you will look forward to it! If you don’t want to go to a public gym, you can always workout from home. These simple steps could surprise you and go a long way.