College doesn't have some magical power that makes you gain weight, but it can be difficult to focus on your health during such a huge transition period. Whether you're a freshman who has no idea where to begin, or an upperclassman who needs a little push, these tips can help you stay in shape without cutting deep into your budget or schedule.
Eat better
If you live on campus, your options for healthy eating may be limited. Fortunately, you can stock up your dorm with healthy snacks and even some meals. Try buying pre-made salads or things to make sandwiches and keep them in your mini-fridge. If you live off-campus, cook homemade meals more often than eating out. Cooking at home helps you control the calories and nutrients of your meals. Don't be fooled by snacks that claim to be healthy but actually aren't so great for you. Do research to find out how many calories and nutrients you should be consuming per day. Then compare that to the nutrition labels for your food.
Drink smarter
It's easy to down several drinks from Starbucks during late-night study sessions, or a few sugary drinks on a night out without even thinking about what you're putting into your body. I love my frappuccinos and frat parties just as much as the next girl, but keep in mind that your liquid calories and nutrients count just as much as your solids. Try ordering your coffees with non-fat, almond or coconut milk and sugar-free syrup. Avoid high-sugar alcoholic drinks by trying light beers or low-calorie cocktails.
Meal prep
Meal prepping is an easy way to control what you're eating and how much you're eating. This will be more difficult for on-campus students than commuters because of lack of supplies and kitchen appliances. For dorm dwellers, refer back to tip #1 and try out pre-made meals from your local grocery store. For those of you in apartments, try out meal prepping by planning a day of the week to cook your meals. I started out with a simple meal like chicken breast, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. The good thing about meal prepping is you can basically do it with any meal. Find some meals you really like and get creative.
Track your progress
Keeping a fitness and health journal (digital or physical) can help you track your progress and motivate you to keep going. You can track just about anything in your journal: meals, nutrients, water intake, exercise, weight, etc. You can make your own in a notebook or planner or find one online. If you want to go above and beyond, try tracking your moods for the day or goals for yourself.
Take a class
I'm not saying you need to recreate your grade school PE class, but you could take a fitness class. Many schools offer a variety of classes that can help you stay healthy. My university offers things like beginner yoga, weight-lifting and others fitness classes. If you're not into working out with strangers, search your school's catalog for a nutrition class. I took a class called concepts of wellness, and not only was it a huge GPA booster, but it also taught me so much about taking care of myself.
Join a gym
Most schools have a gym that is free or included in tuition for students. Take advantage of this opportunity if you can. If not, research gyms in your area that meet your needs. I've learned that paying for a membership motivates me to go more often. Some gyms have discounts for students or plans for multiple people. There are even fun classes like spin and Zumba that you can take for free at some gyms.
Partner up
One of the best ways to keep yourself accountable for your fitness is to partner up with someone. This way, you can keep each other accountable. It is also much more fun to workout and eat or meal prep with friends. Bonus points: partner up with your roommate or significant other so you can split the cost of groceries. Grab a pal and get your fitness on!
Treat yourself
My biggest tip is to reward yourself for victories, no matter how big or small. Did you stay within your calorie range all week? Take yourself out for some ice cream. Have you lost a pound? Buy a new gym outfit. Remember that getting in shape doesn't have to equal being mean to yourself. As the great Tom Haverford once said, "TREAT YO SELF!"
