College life can be very hectic, which can cause us to forget to take care of our bodies. Our busy schedule causes us to choose the fastest food available and it’s usually not the healthiest. We forget that our health should be one of our priorities, so here are 4 simple ways to improve your health.
1. Choose healthy snacks
I find myself snacking all the time between classes, and they’re not always the healthiest snacks. Instead of eating chips and soda, consider having fruits, nuts, yogurt, granola, hummus, etc. Here are some ideas for healthy snacks. There are so many easy and tasty options that you won’t have to worry about not finding something you like. You will never have monotonous snack time again!
2. Exercise
I know how hard it is to find time to exercise, but it’s so beneficial for your health that it’s worth it. Not only will it help with your physical health, but it will also improve your mental health. It doesn’t always have to be at the gym; you should find a type of exercise that suits you and your lifestyle. There are many exercises you can do in your own room and in your own time like yoga, pilates, cardio or even specific workouts for arms, legs, abs, etc.
3. Drink water (stay hydrated!)
You’ve heard this many times before, but drinking water is a really important way to stay healthy. You can stay hydrated in many different ways. A common misconception is that all your water content needs to come through drinking water. But, you can stay hydrated by eating certain things like strawberries, bell peppers, watermelon, tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, celery and, the winner, cucumbers. Cucumbers are 95% water! Avoiding sugary drinks like soda and juice is important too. With these changes, you can look forward to nicer looking skin, better sleep, and even some weight loss, if this is desired. If you need some flavor in your water, you can infuse it with your favorite fruits. Here are some infused water recipes ideas and their benefits.
4. Cut down on meat
Cutting down on meat can lower cholesterol intake which can reduce your risks of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. A healthy alternative would be a plant-based diet (which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, and nuts) considering it is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. The idea is not to eliminate all meat. Consider a Meatless Monday or swap red meat, like pork and beef, with chicken or fish.
Taking simple steps like these can help boost your mood, reduce the risk of certain diseases, and make you feel better and more energetic so that you can be ready for what life throws at you.