POD, Sonic, CookOut, Chickfila. What do these places have in common? They are quick, easy, and cheap food options for a typical college student. You probably already have your day to day schedule down to every hour between a balance of class, studying and a social life. Adding an hour at the gym seems almost impossible!

But, prioritizing your health during your college years is extremely crucial. Freshman year, the first semester, I wanted to experience every aspect that college had to offer. I wanted to experience that nightlife and get CookOut tray at 1:00 in the morning, eat every meal at my sorority house, and order Insomnia after a hard night of studying and wanted to treat myself.

The second semester rolled around, and I had my routine down, as a college student, except something new, crept into my life: depression. My physical health was definitely not my top priority.

The remaining months of the semester and the summer, I was learning to love myself and again. So, starting off my sophomore year I wanted to rebuild my relationship with food. I wanted to eat and not feel guilty. By strengthening my relationship with food and myself, I wanted to start nourishing my body with the right foods and becoming active again.

Over the past few months, I have felt the most alive I have ever felt because I am living a balanced and wholesome lifestyle. If you are wondering what that looks like, here are a few tips on managing healthy habits as a college student.

1. Have your food staples.

Ask yourself, "what are some healthy food that I love?" Personally, I love and always have strawberries, blueberries, almonds, rice cakes and peanut butter, egg whites, cheese sticks, sliced turkey, and frozen grilled chicken. These are foods that I know I can grab that will give me energy and sustain me. If you keep healthy snacks and quick meals readily then you are less likely to reach for something unhealthy. Bonus tip, these will ultimately save you money.

2. Discover some healthy meal options at restaurants

My favorite places to eat out and have a healthy meal is any Mexican restaurant, Chipotle, Chickfila, McCalisters, or Newks. It is really about making those changes, such as grilled over fried, fruit over fries, eliminating dairy when you can.

3. Make working out apart of your schedule

A one-hour workout is only four percent of your day! My biggest tip with this is, not only utilize your campus gym but also do not leave campus until your workout. Going to the gym right after my class ensure that I get my workout done. Excersing reaps so many benefits. It is an amazing stress reliever and mood booster.

4. Create a weekly workout routine

Getting to the gym can be hard enough, but a lot of time people do not even know where to start with a fitness routine. Firstly, find a cardio workout that you enjoy for 30 minutes. If you hate running then don't! If you want to walk, dance, swim whatever does not feel like a task. Then, create weight routine. Pinterest and YouTube are great tools to not only construct a routine but to learn proper form. I usually do arms and back on Monday, shoulders, and chest on Tuesday, legs on Wednesday, and repeat. Also, I have been trying to incorporate a HIIT workout once a week. Keep it fun and fresh help you maintain your fitness goals.

5. Protein Shakes are your best friend

Investing in a quality protein powder has been crucial in my routine. They are so quick and fill up you. I like them for breakfast paired with some yogurt, eggs, almonds or fruit. I always have one 30 minutes have my workout. Protein really helps me maintain my blood sugar levels. Also, if you feeling super fitspo, pre-workout can really help you push through those hard workouts. Some days it is my saving grace

6. Always put yourself first

Finding and maintaining a balance can be difficult. Make sure if you need rest days to take them. Always get a good nights rest. Do not go on crazy, scam crash diets and over-restrict your calories. Your body and especially your brain thrives off of carbs and fats. Have some fun, eat a cheat meal, and enjoy some dessert every once in a while. You deserve it!