Don’t fall victim to the Freshman 15! Adjusting to a new environment can be hard, so here are a few easy ways you can stay healthy in college while keeping you and your bank account happy.
1. Get your exercise on using campus resources
Take advantage of everything you can during your years at Winona State! The IWC is great for any type of workout whether it’s running, playing basketball or weight lifting – there’s stuff for every one! Remember, you won’t have free access to a gym forever.
- Drink lots of water!
Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, so why not give your body more energy to burn those extra calories? Carry around a reusable water bottle and fill it up as many times as you can each day. It will also help keep you full so you won’t feel the need to snack as much.
- Join intramural sports
What’s more fun than getting together with your friends and playing your favorite sport? Intramurals are a low-commitment opportunity that helps you exercise in a way that’s fun for every one! Winona State offers many different intramurals for coed, men and women that include basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, flag football and kickball.
- Take advantage of the nature around you
We live in a valley of pure beauty so take advantage of it by using the lakes, river and the bluffs! From hiking up to the top of Sugarloaf, riding your bike along the water or canoeing in the lake – the opportunities are endless. Check out the lake lodge website for year-round activities on Lake Winona.
- Don’t drink your calories
It’s so easy to waste a whole days worth of calories on liquids such as sodas and juice that won’t fill you up. Be mindful of what you’re drinking – there are so many healthy options that taste better than you think!
- Boost your metabolism with breakfast
Just like you need caffeine in the morning to get yourself going, your body needs food to kick start the day! It doesn’t have to be fancy. A couple of eggs, a piece of toast or a bowl of cereal will help your body metabolize more throughout the day!
- Get a good night’s sleep
When you’re tired it’s so easy to reach for those sugary snacks to help boost your energy. Let sleep take place of those pesky snacks and/or reach for carrots instead!
- Find social hangouts that don’t involve going out to eat
Food is a simple and appealing way to hang out or see your friends, but a simple switch to hiking or taking a walk can make a huge difference (and save you lots of money, too)! Of course, the occasional triple order of Topperstix won’t kill you.
- Drink your coffee black or drink tea
We all need a little boost in the morning to help us get through our busy schedules, but adding all that extra sugar and cream in your coffee can really add up! Try drinking your coffee black or try other caffeinated drinks, like tea, that are calorie free!
- Don’t multitask while you eat!
Multitasking when you eat is a turn down the road to eating an entire bag of chips. When you’re not focusing on what you’re putting in your mouth its easy to lose track of all that you’ve eaten. Be mindful of what you’re eating and when you’re eating it. No one likes feeling sick from too many Doritos.
