After a sun-kissed summer full of family, fun and frolicking about, it’s time to get back to the grindstone and knock out a successful fall semester! Devilishly Healthy extends its warmest welcome.
Summer is often a time where we become lax with our fitness routines and diet. This is expected and perfectly acceptable, to a point. But getting back on track after a break is vital!
Starting college or going back to college is a huge transition. With so many changes to your living situation, friend groups and classes, it can sometimes be really hard to get back on track from a health perspective.
Let’s be honest, when we’re getting back into the routine of college life, nutrition often goes by the wayside. We end up eating meals that lack the nutrients needed to promote good health, eating meals late or even skipping some meals entirely.
Alongside nutrition, our fitness routines can also fall apart during the summer. We might skimp out on a workout or two, whether we’re traveling or otherwise distracted. However, with the new school year ahead of us, it’s vital that we include daily exercise in our busy schedules.
That’s where Devilishly Healthy comes in. We want to make sure that you’re able to jump-start your health in the most efficient way possible this semester, and we’ve consulted a nutrition expert to shed some light on how to do so.
Jessica Lehmann, a nutrition instructor at ASU’s College of Health Solutions, shared some insight on how to transition your summer diet over to a more college-friendly diet.
It’s essential to think about how our schedule is going to change with respect to classes, your work and other activities you may be doing in order to really plan your diet and exercise schedules, Lehmann said.
One tool she recommended highly is a water bottle. We tend to reach for sugary drinks that can add a lot of calories when oftentimes all our body really wants is water, she said. So keep a water bottle with you, and avoid those sugar-packed sodas and energy drinks.
Another tip is to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. A simple way to revitalize your diet is to add one more serving of vegetables or fruits to your day, Lehmann said. Fruits and vegetables are not only full of minerals and fiber, they also have a lot of water.
“There are compounds in vegetables and in fruits that make you feel happier and more creative. Ideally, you want to eat every few hours,” Lehmann said. “If you’re going to be away from home for a long period of time, pack healthy snacks like trail mix, slices of apples or an energy bar.”
As you can see, getting back on track isn’t difficult. Simply staying hydrated and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet can make a dramatic difference in your quality of health.
Along with getting your diet back on track, exercise should also be integrated into your daily schedule. Make a workout schedule with your friends or roommates — it’s beneficial because you will all be accountable to one another, and getting lax on that daily workout will happen less.
Another way to keep in shape during the school year is to work simple exercises you can do anywhere into your busy schedule. For example, if you arrive early to a class, consider doing some calf-raises to pass the time! Another idea is to bike to class instead of driving if you’re close enough to do so. In general, try to keep your body as active as possible. That way, you’ll be more inclined to do a full-body workout when you can later in the day.
One other element of college health that we may tend to overlook is making sure you get enough downtime. Lehmann stressed that at least one meal a week should be eaten with friends, because making eating a social activity promotes overall wellness.
The beginning of the semester is always a hectic time, but be sure to carve out some time for yourself! Go get that pedicure or go hike with friends. Take breaks that will enhance your wellness both physically and mentally. Downtown Phoenix has several wellness options to offer — take advantage of what’s around you!
Some options for staying active downtown are:
1) The Sun Devil Fitness Complex
2) Gold’s Gym in CityScape
3) Poolside Yoga at the Hotel Palomar
Some options for healthy eating downtown are:
1) The Open Air Farmers Market (every Saturday morning at the Phoenix Public Market)
2) Minimal exposure to the fried, greasy and sugary foods that Taylor Place sometimes offers
3) Green New American Vegetarian Restaurant on Seventh Street
Stay healthy, my friends!
Contact the columnist at wshahid@asu.edu
