5 No-Meat Super Bowl Treats

Celebrating your favorite team (Go Giants!) doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a healthy diet. Here’s 5 healthy Super Bowl snacks that’ll set your football gathering away from the rest!

1. Hummus dip and tortilla chips- Hummus is a delicious snack packed full of protein and vitamins. It’s the perfect complement to tortilla chips or even pita bread.  Create your own version by adding different ingredients like tomatoes or feta cheese.  Hummus is something you can either buy at the store or prepare yourself.  If you’re expecting a lot of people, sometimes it’s better to make it from scratch to get more for your money.

2.Trail Mix- My personal favorite- I’m a big fan of salty snacks, and I love a trail mix full of spicy, sweet and salty tidbits mixed together . If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, add Chex Mix Cereal and your favorite sweet snacks like M&Ms, skittles or chocolate chips. Trail mix is simple recipe that adds color to a table full of food!

3.Dried Fruit- Dried fruit is a great snack, and another edible table decoration! Try a colorful mix of dried apricots, bananas and kiwi. It’ll light up the table andtame your sweet tooth rather quickly.

 

4.Pizza bites- One blog gives you the option of re-living a not-so-healthy childhood treat by having pizza bites. Well, the author also lets us know that pizza bites don’t have to be unhealthy! Veggetarian pizza bites are a delicious option for a snack that’s a little more filling—just fill them with your favorite cheeses and vegetables.

5. Organic “No Meat” Meatballs- This healthy snack might be a surprise to you if you’re not familiar with all the great no meat options out there for vegetarians and vegans. Although it’s probably more convenient to find no-meat meatballs at your local natural food store, there are some pretty awesome recipes out there.  If decide to make them at home, make them as big or as little as you want! If you choose a traditional no-meat recipe you can even whip up a savory dipping sauce.  Delish!

So if you’re a vegetarian,  a green enthusiast, or just looking for a change, these snacks will be perfect for your party. Check out CL’s last minute super bowl party post for more ideas!

 

Martha-Raye Adjei is an environmental studies major with a concentration in Sustainable Apparel at the University of Delaware. She hopes to become a journalist and sustainable apparel designer. In her spare time she likes to read, swim and watch TV

HOW TO: Host a Super Bowl Party

Are you ready for some football?  Whether you’re watching this year’s Super Bowl because you love football or you love staring at Tom Brady, a good party requires three things: food, drinks and friends.

If you’re anything like me, everything is last minute. With only one day until the Superbowl, this guide will prepare anyone like myself looking to celebrate this Sunday. From what to wear to what to serve, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to throwing your college friends a last minute Super Bowl party.

 

Football fashion:

Keep it casual and comfy. No one needs to look fabulous while screaming at a TV and hanging out in your living room. Thanks to Polyvore, here are two classy outfit ideas for game day:

Team theme:

If  you plan to decorate for your party, keep to the theme of the two teams playing. This year the  match-up is between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Since their colors are similar (this should be fun while watching) decorating is easy. Anything red, white or blue will suffice and satisfy all fans at your gathering. Who knew Fourth of July decorations would come in handy five months early?

Finger food:

Don’t get caught whipping up something in the kitchen and miss out on what could be another scandalous half-time show. Small finger foods are perfect for an evening of football. Start out with a  homemade hummus dip served with crackers or pita chips. More filling meals are double cheese chili  or these simple sliders. Football jersey cut out cookies  are a trademark at my family Superbowl parties. They’re easy to do and go with the football theme.

Themed spirits:

Although standard beer may be the trademark drink for the Super Bowl, other options include The Big Blue in honor of the Giants or Patriots Punch for New England fans. Be sure to also have a selection of drinks for those under 21.

When it comes time for kick-off, be sure to provide plenty of places to sit for your guests. This is the one day where being in the way of the TV is highly unacceptable. Choosing to set up a couple TVs may also be a key play at your party.

The Super Bowl only happens one day a year. With that said- kick back, relax and enjoy the game.

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

Cute Items Under $20 To Brighten Up A Winter Day

The Christmas lights have been taken down. The New Year has been here for a month already, and soon, the Valentine’s Day decorations will disappear from stores. We are coming upon that dreaded time in every college student’s life – when we are sick of winter, but spring remains far away. Still, while the skies may be gray, your mood doesn’t have to be. Brighten up your day with these cute, cheap items under $20.

1) Bright nail polish. Nail polish is a great way to pick up your mood, since it’s cheap, lasts forever, and is available at any drugstore. Think outside the box – try a bright yellow or a metallic polish. Or combine them both with Tangerine Glitz from Pop Beauty, $10 on their website and at drugstores.

2) Cute socks. You may be wearing the same boots in the snow everday, but you can still have some fun underneath. We’re great fans of Sock It To Me, a small business that sells creative socks. Try their Ninja knee socks, $9 on their website.

3) Wild underwear. Even if nobody sees your underwear, knowing you look super-hot underneath your outfit will keep you feeling sexy and confident all day. Try this leopard-print bra from Forever 21, $7.80.

4) Dramatic makeup. Dramatic makeup at a party is expected, but in class, it’s refreshing. Keep the look classy and not tacky by only playing up one feature and doing your makeup in the right lighting. Try red lipstick or a swipe of electric blue eyeliner.

5) Anything from Fred Flare. I discovered Fred Flare when I was 14, and have been drooling ever since. The online store sells clothes, accessories, and apartment decor that is adorable AND useful. Even if you don’t buy anything, just browsing through all the cuteness is sure to lift your mood. We’re big fans of this iPod Hoodie, on sale for just $4.99.

Have you bought anything lately to escape the winter blues? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a NYU junior studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. Currently, she is an exchange student at La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You can read about her experience at http://thegoddesscomplex.wordpress.com/

5 Kitchen Must-Have’s

Kitchen items tend to be pretty similar across the board. You’ve got your stove and fridge, eating utensils, and of course the food, but there are certain products and appliances that every college co-ed should have in their apartment. In my apartment, I have a list of five small kitchen items that I could not live without. Here they are, enjoy!

1. George Foreman Grill – These are great for getting that fresh-grilled taste on a winter night. You can buy them in a variety of sizes which make them great for college students. Meals come together quickly with this grill as it takes no longer than a couple minutes to warm up, not to mention cooking times are cut in half because the food is cooked on both sides at once. I love cooking chicken, steak, and pork chops on my miniature, pink George Foreman Grill, but you can use it to cook quesadillas, grilled cheese, or even kabobs. The possibilities are endless!
   
2. Cutting Board – The importance of cutting board is something I learned quickly after I moved into my first apartment. From cutting fresh vegetables and fruits to cutting up meat or potatoes, cutting boards keep your counters protected as well as keeping your food protected from potential contamination.
3. Good Quality Knives – These go along with the cutting board, but both are equally important. Knives can be super expensive, but if you buy smart you can find knives that will last a long time making the extra cash worth it. Don’t just buy one knife though; buy a variety and a knife block to store them. Here’s a list of the essentials knives you will most likely use in the kitchen: bread, boning, chef’s, carving, fork, meat cleaver, steak, and paring knife.
   
4. Coffee Maker – Okay, so this one most likely wouldn’t be on my personal list, but I know my apartment would not be the same without it. Although my body is caffeine intolerant, over percent of college students drink coffee daily. Even if you don’t drink coffee, chances are your roommates or guests will, which makes the coffee maker a great gesture in my mind. Also, you can use it to heat up water for you hot cocoa as will often do.
5. Blender/Food Processor – I’m sure saying to yourself “these are two different things”. Yes, that is correct, but you can easily find blender, food processing combos. This makes your life easier because you combine two appliances into one shaving space and time. With this multi-functioning appliance you can create your favorite margarita or daiquiri recipe or chop up some vegetables  for your supper without pulling out a new appliance.
   

Of course, everyone has different levels of cooking skills and different taste preferences. You may find that some of these items would be totally useless in your kitchen, but it’s always good to think about what is important to you to have in your kitchen. Having a list like this will make all the apartment moves during college much easier.

Want to know what didn’t make my list? Here are some of my runner-ups:

• corkscrew
• pizza cutter
• spice rack
• dish rack
• dry ingredient canisters
• electric can opener.

 

Kelsey Schirm is a junior at Iowa State University pursuing a double major in Journalism & Mass Communication and Art & Design. She loves exercising, cooking, and being outdoors.

Five Reasons Being Single is Fabulous

With Valentine’s Day quickly creeping up on us, it’s hard to walk through a store without feeling a little bit of loneliness if your status is single. Suddenly boxed chocolates, flowers and everything red becomes unattractive for a month. But being happy doesn’t mean having a significant other to give you those things. After meeting loser after loser (losers with secret girlfriends, losers with commitment issues, losers who are immature), I decided to stop looking for happiness in someone else and start finding it within myself.  Being single in college can undoubtedly be one of the best statuses because you can figure out what you want without the baggage of someone else’s influence.

If you’re feeling a bit grim knowing this year Feb. 14 will be spent alone, here’s why being “lonely” isn’t all that bad:

1. Friends come first 

The friends I have made in the past six months while being single are ones I can always count on. I guarantee if I was in a relationship, these friends wouldn’t be ones I now consider family. Being single gives me the time to make them a first priority.

2. Endless possibilities

Internship in New York? Last minute vacation with a friend? No problem when you’re the only person you have to worry about.

3. Independence is attractive

Who run the world? Girls! Beyonce says it all when it comes to independent women being confident and appealing. I’m not talking about being appealing to guys but exhibiting an independent confidence is attractive in all walks of life especially when applying for jobs.

4. You learn about yourself 

You have to love yourself first before you can love someone else. Being single forces you to be comfortable being alone.  Through spending time with just yourself, you learn your real needs, wants, and desires without someone else influencing your decisions.

5. Expressing yourself in your own way

When I had a boyfriend, there were numerous times he would go, ‘You’re wearing that?’ Some guys just don’t understand women’s fashion! From wedges to leggings, go ahead and wear what you want to make yourself happy without worrying about someone else’s opinion.

 

Next time your friend is being all cute with her boyfriend, don’t get jealous. Be happy with the relationship you have with the most important person in your life: you!

If you’re feeling confident enough to move on from being single and are looking for a significant other, read Meaghan’s guide on When to Make the First Move. 

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

 

Top 10 iPad Apps for College Students

Did you get an iPad for the holidays? Still haven’t decided what apps to get? CL helps you out with our list of top iPad apps for college students!

 

 

1) Evernote, Free.

Sick of trying to keep track of all your class notes? Organize them digitally with Evernote. This app allows you to create notebooks that are accesible and editable from any connected product, including your Mac and the Internet. You can also create a notebook just for one place, for example if you want to store all your passwords somewhere.  Since Evernote doesn’t have student-specific features, it’s perfect for co-eds who need to keep their Algebra notes and sorority minutes in one place.

2) Twitter, Free.
If you have a Twitter, you’ll want the social networking giant’s free app. It allows you to handle multiple social media accounts at once, so it’s especially useful if you are also handling a company social media account.

3) iBooks, Free.
You’d think that the iPad would come with iBooks preloaded, but it doesn’t. Having a library at your fingertips is a great motivator to read a new book instead of watching Sex and the City (again). To top it off, iBooks also just came out with the bane of every college student’s existence – textbooks!

4) Facebook, Free.
Believe it or not, Facebook didn’t have an iPad app until this past October. But it’s here, it’s free, and you’re in college – what are you waiting for?

5) Epicurious, Free.
So you finally moved out of the dorm and into an apartment? Whether you’re a cooking genius or clueless in the kitchen, Epicurious has you covered with thousands of recipes right at your fingertips.

7) Angry Birds HD, $4.99
Angry Birds is the gaming sensation that has captivated millions of users. The objective of the game is to eliminate the egg-stealing pig by slinging birds at them. The game is fun,addicting, and a great way to blow off some steam if you imagine that pig is your cheating ex-boyfriend. If $4.99 sounds expensive for a gaming app, there is a free lite version.

Zite Personalized Magazine, Free.
CNN bought this Vancouver startup for $20M last summer, so you know it’s good. Zite asks you to put in your personal interests, aggregates related news, and then puts it all together in a magazine format, complete with organized sections. It’s a great way to read news personalized for you, without having to download several different news apps.

9) Netflix, Free With Subsription.
The vast majority of the college students I know already have a Netflix subscription (or use a friend’s). If you’re one of them, grab the free app from Netflix that allows you to stream movies right onto your iPad. More of a TV junkie? If you have Hulu Plus, you can watch your favorite shows on your iPad too.

10) Get It Done Tasks, Free.
Based on the Getting Things Done movement popularized by David Allen, this task manager is easy to use even if you’ve never heard of GTD. Just input your task, pick a due date, and check it off the list when you’re done. Easy and, best of all, free.

Did we miss any of your favorite iPad apps? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is writer for College Lifestyles.  She is a junior Journalism and Comparative Literature major at New York University. A proud sister of Theta Phi Beta, she talks fast, travels a lot, and is obsessed with sugar.

Blogging Socialite: CL Interviews the Jasmine Brand

While we are sound asleep, Jasmine  is busy working on her acclaimed entertainment and lifestyle blog theJASMINE.BRAND. Writing from the Nation’s Capital, Jasmine is one of the most authentic and truthful leaders in the celebrity blogging arena. It’s rare today to find stories about the Obama’s vacation and Kim Kardashian’s business wardrobe on the same website, but Jasmine accomplishes it. She is the epitome of ‘keeping it classy’ and is a master multi-tasker. Jasmine gave College Lifestyles her exclusive tips on how to break into the industry, what radio life is like, and the latest fashion scoop.

CL: What sets theJASMINEBRAND apart from other celebrity/lifestyle blogs and websites out there today? 

TJB: I practice responsible blogging, meaning I’m particular about what I report, where the information came from, my own sources, etc. I don’t take credit for others work and source as much as I can. I have a unique perspective and corny sense of humor that my readers get (thankfully). I also try not to shove my opinion down my readers throat because they’re bright and see things much different from me (lots of times) and I appreciate that. Besides, people don’t come to the Jasmine Brand to get my two cents, they come to get celebrity news (in an entertaining, yet polite way-I hope) and decide on their own if they’re a fan or not of what’s being discussed. And believe me, they are very vocal and I LOVE it!

CL: You have a unique and bold style (which College Lifestyles absolutely loves!). What are some affordable designers or stores that you like, where co-eds can snag the latest fashions? Do you follow any trends?

TJB: This is a tough one because I kind of do my own weird thing with my style. I like putting things together that really aren’t supposed to exist at one time. I’m not really a label girl (although I have a few things here and there). I like everything from Target, Neiman’s, Zara’s, Urban Outfitters (I like their rompers), American Apparel and yes, Forever 21. Trends? I try to stay away from them, because they’re hard to keep up with. I have an obsession with earrings and nail polish. The bigger the earring, the better. Nail polish is so cool, in general. If I was to die and had to come back as an object—POLISH all day! (P.S. I was gonna say a condom as a second option but that was a joke…like seriously.)

CL: We love your motto “You Sleep. I Blog.” Since you have to stay connected, how many tech gadgets do use everyday? What device(s) can you not live without?

TJB: I really only have two phones (I lost one) and a laptop. I can NOT live without my laptop. It’s like my boyfriend and sleeps w/ me every night. Like literally, it’s in bed with me while I sleep, hence me sleeping at weird times.

CL: Your work gives you amazing opportunities to interview celebrities on the red carpet at award shows and album release signings, host events in Washington, D.C., and meet/greet some of the most influential people in the industry. Could you give any tips or advice to journalism or communications students who aspire to have a career like yours?

TJB: I would say, think about the ‘why’ in terms of why you’d like to do this. It can be a thank-less job, so you want to make sure your heart is in the right place. Trust your instincts. Trust your gut. Work on your writing non-stop. Don’t be afraid to have your own ‘voice’ when you write. If you’re interested in interviewing celebrities, be over-prepared with what you know about them and what you want to ask. Be confident and remember they’re regular people and aren’t as fascinating when you actually meet them. Believe me, you’re probably more interesting than they are LOL.

CL: Do you ever get nervous or shy when interviewing certain celebrities?

TJB: I do get nervous and more so because I’m thinking, “Crap, what if they read something that I said about them that wasn’t the most positive.” I also get nervous because you usually have a short period of time to ask a gazillion questions that you want to get answered. Oftentimes, you’ll be interviewing them in a room-full of people, with their handlers kind of standing around (making sure you don’t ask them anything crazy) in the most awkward times. Maybe you catch them right after they’ve gone on stage, or while they’re shopping (if it’s a phone interview). One rapper, who shall remain nameless, lit a blunt while I interviewed him. So you have to just be flexible and roll with it (no pun intended).

CL: You are also a radio host for Elite DC Radio and speak at area conferences/events. How do you manage to juggle such a busy schedule?

TJB: I do short celebrity segments for Elite DC Radio, which is easier for my schedule, but overall, I have no idea, really! I get up early, prioritize, make a list and just kind of go for it. I really believe in only one speed, “Go!”

CL: Could you give us a glimpse of what your typical day is like?

TJB: It isn’t that exciting really. I get up by let’s say 4 or 5 a.m., hop online check emails, see what I missed while I was sleeping. I listen to a ton of radio and TV in the morning and some music while I get my morning content up. I talk to my best friend every morning, for like 5 minutes (boring, right?) and kind of work non-stop until 10a or so. My team checks in with me via email in the morning (or text message if they can’t get in touch with me). I handle some of the business end of the Jasmine Brand after 11 a.m. I see what’s on TV, sort of make my schedule for the rest of the day. I do celebrity interviews in the afternoon, so I’ll usually prep for those. I usually eat in between stuff. Once a week, I’ll make myself go somewhere during the day like the movies or I’ll take a lunch meeting. I usually have like two calls a day, but I won’t schedule anything more than that. I break in the evenings for a bit and take a nap and get back up around 9 p.m. or so. Long story short, I work all day But it’s fun and I absolutely love it.

CL: Where do you see theJASMINEBRAND in five years?

TJB: I’m superstitious, so I don’t really want to say. I have some things in the works now, but just expect to see more of me…outside of DC

You’ll instantly become hooked to theJasmineBrand when you follow her on Twitter! & check out her YouTube

Amber Ferguson is a fashion/health intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn.

Why You Shouldn’t Live Without A Diet Full Of Lemons

Who would’ve thought that these yellow little fruits were so vital to human health! If you want to add something new to your beauty regimen, maintain  a better immune system, or even have healthier bones, lemons can do all of these things for you–keep reading to find out why.

That age-old saying “one fruit a day keeps the doctor away” may not literally apply to all the fruits in the spectrum, but it certainly goes for lemons–your body has a deep, undying devotion to them! This citrus is an all-natural cure, proven to aid in many of your physical dilemmas, from pesky pimples and acne to the common cold and various viruses. How’s that possible? It’s simple–they’re packed with all the things that your body can’t function at its best without: vitamin A, C, and P, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and a healthy dose of acid.

Skin

The astringent quality of lemon juice does wonders for your skin and “makes it an ideal exfoliator,” says acnehelpline.com. It clears away the dead skin that builds up and gets clogged inside of your pores and can revive and soften your skin after just one use. Just be mindful that the acidity will make your skin more sensitive after exfoliating. To alleviate the sensitivity, stay out of the sun after your treatment. For more protection and to avoid getting dry skin, apply sunscreen and a moisturizer after cleansing.

What to do:

• Rub a lemon slice onto the breakout(s), blackheads, and to dry skin. This may have to be done in the evening or multiple times before seeing an improvement.
• Soften your cuticles by placing them into a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice.
• Soak your feet in a lemon juice bath for relaxation and regained softness.

Body

Consuming lemon water in the morning is the best time to do so according to ehow.com. Because of the vitamin C, a daily bottle of lemon water is beneficial in helping your body fight bacterias and any other foreign organisms that try to attack your immune system. Other than making your teeth and skeletal bones stronger, lemon water also improves your digestion, restores your body’s pH balance, and can cure that cough that arises when your body meets the winter cold.

What to do:

• Slice up several pieces of lemon and drop it into your cup or bottle of water!

You can also get savvy with this fruit. Next time you shove your ice maker into your freezer, cut up a few lemon slices so that they freeze inside of the water. These lemon-cubes will make for a perfectly sweet addition to an ice cold drink. Let’s cheers to health, classy readers!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

 

The Dos and Don’ts of Facebook

Facebook: the place to chat, creep, post and potentially make or break many relationships. We all have our pet peeves of what is and isn’t acceptable on the social network, but what crosses the line of being just plain wrong? As one of the largest networking sites, it’s important to stay classy when presenting yourself to the public, or in this case, the world. For those who need a crash course in internet etiquette, abide by the following list of dos and don’ts for avoiding sticky situations on the web.

 

DO

Post something that is actually meaningful

No one really cares what you ate for breakfast, that you absolutely love your boyfriend or an inside joke no one would understand but your best friend. Posting inspirational quotes and photos, news articles or life changing events has more meaning on a network where everyone can see what you’re saying.

Professional networking

Obviously, Facebook is used to be social with friends, but try using it to get ahead in your field. Become “friends” with company sites of places you’re interested in or form meeting groups to discuss trends and share documents with university club members.

Censor your material

This may be an obvious one at this point, but some people still overlook it. Check off the option of having to approve what someone tags you in before it ends up on your page. And keep your page private if you think what you’re posting might be inappropriate for some viewers.

Message private matters

Phone numbers, addresses and specific plans should always be sent via message. Also, personal matters are best kept where only you and the receiver can see them.

 

DON’T

Announce your location

Sure, it may feel cool to be the mayor of the gym on campus, but not when a super stalker can know your every move. Play it safe and turn the location option off on your phone. Also, don’t tell the world when you’re leaving for vacation. This is prime confirmation for people to break into your house while you’re out.

 Use offensive language

Even if you’re joking, offensive language is always going to be offensive to at least one person. This also gives off the wrong impression to people who don’t know your sense of humor.

Start fights

Commenting wars are probably the worst “news” to pop up while scrolling down the feed. If social networking is the only way you can fight freely with someone, try texting.

Add everyone you “know”

Users who have more than 1,000 friends seem to just add people for the record they want to overcome in their head. Adding someone you met one time while waiting in line for the bathroom at a party is not a friend. Do not add them.

Tag your friends in unflattering pictures 

You make look gorgeous but if the person next to you has three chins from laughing, they will probably want to unfriend you if tag them. Be the bigger person and crop!

Complain about work or school 

It’s called a social network for a reason. Although you may not be friends with your boss, a friend of a friend may see what  you said about her and clue her in. Gossip on social networking can spread faster than your boss saying “you’re fired.”

 

When it comes down to the basics of networking, just remember to be socially conscious. Don’t share anything you wouldn’t share with a stranger and be sure to keep it classy!

To get more scoop from the CL etiquette team, check out the dos and don’ts of traveling!

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

CL’s 5 Best Fitness Apps

The app industry for iPhone and Android phones is exploding. Whether you use your phone to surf the net, check e-mail, go on Facebook, or play Angry Birds, it can’t be denied that the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating an app for an audience. If you have some fitness goals set for 2012, then here is a list of CL’s 5 top fitness apps for 2012:

 

• GymPact (Free)
  “Paying too much for a gym membership you never use? Gym-Pact lets you set the financial stakes of not getting to the gym, plus earn cash rewards and real prizes for fulfilling your Pact.” Pledge how many days a week (1-7) to hit the gym and bet yourself money (starts at $5 for every missed workout). If you meet your goal, you get paid by the other GymPacters who didn’t meet their goal.
  
• Nike Training Club (Free)
  It’s like your own personal trainer, anytime, anywhere with more than 85 custom-built workouts. Unlock exclusive workout extras from celebrities like Lea Michele (Glee) and Shawn Johnson (athlete). Use music from your own iTunes library to keep yourself motivated as a Nike professional trainer guides you through each step of the workout with audio and video demonstrations.
  

• MapMyFitness (Free)
  Use your phone’s GPS to track and map your workout. MapMyFITNESS is about helping fitness enthusiasts reach their health and fitness potential. “Giving members exercise tracking, route searches, robust fitness oriented networks and an online nutrition center, we strive to provide the ultimate training tools to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals.”
  
• Fooducate (Free)
  Scan the barcode of whatever product you want and Fooducate will grade your choice and show you healthier alternatives! If the product doesn’t scan, you can enter the numbers manually. With over 200,000 food products in its system, you’re on your way to making better food choices this year! Fooducate even alerts you to the presence of controversial additives and added sugars. The majority of fitness is determined by what and how you eat.
  
• MyFitnessPal (Free)
  Set a daily calorie goal, then record your daily food and exercise to stay on track. The app allows you full access to your MyFitnessPal.com account so that you can log from anywhere, at any time. Both the app and the website are free. Over 1.1 million foods make up the largest food database of any calorie counter. It even had a barcode scanner to make it easier! Create custom exercises from a library of over 350 exercises to get your heart pumpin’!

Make 2012 your best year yet! New year, new you!

—————————————————————————————–

Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She wishes that she had an iPhone with every fiber of her being so that she could download all of these awesome fitness apps!

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