Day 7: What Workouts DO You Love? Share and Win a Backpack Filled with Goodies from SNAP, Hydros, and Activate!

Do you ever workout alone, with friends, or a significant other?  What are your favorite workout tips?  

Are you and your best friends training for a marathon, you and your boyfriend go to the same gym, or you’re a proud DVD owner (our Editor in Chief is the owner of several pilates and Pure Barre DVDs)?  How do you stay motivated with your workouts?  Share your favorite workouts, your workout partners, and your motivation with us below for a chance to win an incredible backpack filled with SNAP Infusion, a Hydros Bottle and ACTIVATE.

Your Valentines Backpack will be filled with:

 

SNAP Infusion.  This SUPERCANDY™ is loaded with B vitamins to boost energy, antioxidants to support the immune system and electrolytes to balance hydration. The four flavor varieties – Mel, Bean, Tart and Gum – are super delicious sweets that boast health benefits.

 Hydros Filtering Water Bottle features an innovative side fill port and is designed to eliminate the need for disposable bottled water, saving consumers money while also protecting our environment by keeping billions of bottles out of landfills each year.  This is the only filtering water bottle featuring a twist and turn spout that makes filling and drinking from the bottle easier than any other bottle on the market.  Each filter, which lasts for three months or 150 uses, offers an average savings of $400* and keeps 200 plastic water bottles out of U.S. landfills.

ACTIVATE is an innovative, enhanced vitamin beverage ideal for people with active lifestyles. The ACTIVATE product line is revolutionizing the beverage landscape with a proprietary cap design that stores vitamins separately from the water – enabling the vitamins to stay fresh and potent. By simply twisting the cap the vitamins release, providing a fresh dose of vitamins for the consumer. A celebrity favorite, Hollywood is hydrating with this delicious variety of beverages that have quickly become a must-have for celebrities including Emma Roberts, Aimee Teegarden, Ashley Greene and Shenae Grimes.

NOTE:  We’d like to thank SNAP Infusion, Hydros, and Activate for their donation of products.  Winner will be randomly selected and will be contacted on 2/14.

 

5 Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Are you pressured for time in the morning?  Do you often run out the door without thinking about breakfast?  People say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  This is true.  Beginning the day with a good breakfast is important for good health, a longer life, better energy, and an increased attention span.  Breakfast also helps you maintain your weight and jump start your morning.

Here are 5 quick and healthy breakfast ideas that you might want to try.

Yogurt and Granola:  Grab your favorite yogurt and some granola and mix them together!  Greek yogurt is perfect for this because it is heavier and filling.  Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of granola.  I like granola with nuts and raisins in them but choose what you like best.  This is perfect for on the go.

Energy Bars:  If your substituting an energy bar for a meal then be sure it has 3 to 5 grams of fiber and at least 10 grams of protein.  Brands that meet these criteria are Odwalla, Kashi GoLean, and TruSoy.  Because cereal bars usually don’t have enough protein pair them with a handful of peanuts or a Go-Gurt.

Hard Boiled Eggs: Cook a few hardboiled eggs at the beginning of each week.  They are a perfect on the go breakfast item.  Pair a hard boiled egg with fruit or a piece of meat and you are set to go.

Fruit Salad: Grab the apples, berries, grapes, bananas, oranges, and all your favorite fruits.  Throw them in an air tight container and you have yourself a fruit salad.  You can make a big one at the beginning of the week and eat it throughout the week.

Egg and Toast: Pop a piece of whole wheat toast in the toaster and cook up an egg your favorite way.  Spice it up a little.  It’s simple.  Put the egg on top of the toast and your ready to go.

Looking for more ideas?  Read Ellen’s article “Take Me To the Greek!” for more information on Greek Yogurt.  You can also read  Claire’s article “4 Different and Delicious Ways to Use Oatmeal.”

Stephanie Coppola is an intern at College Lifestyles ™.  She is a graduate student at Quinnipiac University studying Interactive Media.  She makes it a point to eat breakfast every morning!

Take Me To the Greek!

… yogurt that is! In case you haven’t heard, Greek yogurt is one of the hottest foods right now and 2012 is shaping up to be re-named the “Year of the Greek Yogurt”. Greek yogurt now accounts for ¼ of the entire yogurt market with Chobani and Fage topping the charts in production. But what is it about Greek yogurt that has consumers gobbling it up faster than they can pump out the flavors?

Like regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is full of calcium and good probiotic bacteria.  However, Greek yogurt has had much more of the liquid whey, lactose, and sugar removed, making it super thick and creamy.  This gives you the same amount of calories as regular yogurt with double the protein and cutting the sugar content by half.

Companies like Chobani, the leader of the Greek yogurt market, have an impressive offering of flavors to choose from: Apple Cinnamon, Blood Orange, Black Cherry, Lemon, Blueberry, Honey, Raspberry, Peach, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Plain from their fat-free (0%) line. Passion Fruit, Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry-Banana, and Plain from their low-fat (2%) line. Vanilla Chocolate Chunk, Orange Vanilla, VerryBerry, and Honey-Nana from their “Champions” collection. Fage supplies many of the same flavors and even has some of their own unique combinations as well!

Are you sick of just eating yogurt right out of the container? There are a ton of things that you can do to “spice” up your yogurt. Want more flavor? Try mixing in a packet of powdered drink mix, like Crystal Light. Want crunch? Add freshly chopped apple, cereal, or a few mini chocolate chips. You can also never go wrong when you pair yogurt and granola.

Chobani has an entire database devoted to using their yogurts for whatever kind of occasion you can imagine. Main courses, breakfasts, sauces, dips, desserts, and even beverages! We think that these Stuffed Shells and Strawberry Cheesecake Bars look mouth-watering! Check out even more awesome recipes in Chobani’s Kitchen. Fage also has their own collection of recipes for you to try and enjoy.

If you have never eaten Greek yogurt before, it is my personal recommendation that you do not start with the Plain flavor. Many people find it too sour or tart and get turned off much too early in the game! I myself buy a multiple-serving tub of 0% Plain and sweeten it with fruit preserves. Also, not all Greek yogurts are created equal. Some companies taste better than others! If you have not tried Chobani or Fage, then do so before you swear off Greek yogurt completely.

—————————————————————————————–

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. Her favorite flavor of Greek yogurt is Chobani 2% Pineapple. She eats a cup of Greek yogurt almost every day for a healthy snack.

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

4 Different and Delicious Ways to Use Oatmeal

College Lifestyles really, really, really loves oatmeal– but sometimes oatmeal can be a little bland. Sure, it is inexpensive, easy to make, and healthy (full of fiber and whole grains) but its plain flavor can grow old fast. Traditionally, it is eaten topped with berries, bananas, or brown sugar, but there are even more ways to use standard rolled oats. Savory Oats Source Liv(e) Love Laugh Sounds a little scary, right? Just think of oats like you would another grain! They don’t need to be reserved just for a bowl with brown sugar in the morning. Cook oats in water, milk or broth and add in any combination of cheese, vegetables, spices, and protein (meat, beans, tofu). CL recommends Liv(e) Love Laugh’s recipe. Transition oatmeal from your traditional breakfast food to meals after 11 AM. Smoothies and Shakes Source My Body Zone Soak a half-cup of raw oats in milk overnight and add into your favorite smoothie. A combination of Greek yogurt, fruit, ice, oats and your choice of liquid create a satisfying meal. Muesli Mix Want to feel like you are eating breakfast in Europe? Forget tiny cups of coffee and pastries; try this delicious staple! Muesli is simply a combination of raw oats, nuts, and dried fruit, typically mixed with yogurt or milk. You can purchase muesli in most supermarkets or easily make your own. Mixing the muesli with yogurt the night before and letting it sit overnight will create a smooth, chewy consistency and a perfect breakfast to grab on your way out the door. Oat Flour Source Happy Herbivore Oat flour is a gluten free option adding a rich, nutty flavor to baked goods. You can make your own by placing  raw oats into a food processor or purchase a bag right next to your traditional wheat flour. It may take a little trial and error to achieve baking success, since it acts slightly different than white flour. Check out Happy Herbivore for successful recipes!                                             Claire Brooks-Schulke is a Health & Sorority Writer for College Lifestyles. She ate a bowl of oatmeal while writing this as inspiration and loves making muffins with oat flour.

FitFluential: CL Interviews Founder/CEO Kelly Olexa

“FitFluential is Fitness Found.” Whether you are a seasoned pro, or a newbie trying to break in to the realm of changing your life and living fit, we could all use a role model or a bit of motivation from time to time. Created by the classy Kelly Olexa, FitFluential utilizes multiple social media platforms to bring together fitness enthusiasts from around the world to share their journey, both online and offline. When the company where Kelly was employed declared bankruptcy in October of 2008, that unexpected “time off” provided the ideal timing for a lesson in Social Media 101. Kelly is proof positive that change CAN be a good thing!

College Lifestyles: What inspired you to create FitFluential?

Kelly Olexa: I’ve always been a fitness fanatic, ever since discovering Taebo via an informercial over ten years ago. So, for many many years when people would ask me what I’d love to do for a living if I could have a “dream job”, I’d always respond with wanting to do something in the Fitness vertical. That said, I never really thought it would be possible. Finally, in 2011, I was compelled to create FitFluential because I saw a need for it. I’d been working as an “influencer” with brands and I’d also been working at a social media agency for close to two years. I observed what was being done well in the social media space, and certainly the “Mommy Blogger”, “Fashion Blogger”, “Food Blogger” and even “Daddy Blogger” niches had been addressed to some degree, but no one had effectively brought together Fitness Bloggers and influencers into a network whereby brands could easily connect with them. The more I did my research, the more I realized that I was uniquely positioned to build this network, and to build a network that was completely different than anything else in the space. Seeing the need, and knowing that I could do it better than anyone else, that’s what compelled to me to move forward.

CL: What kinds of Ambassadors are involved with FitFluential?

KO: We evaluate each of our Ambassadors individually on multiple factors. The word “Fitness” is a very broad term. Fitness can mean jogging for one person or running marathons for another. It can mean a “diet” of Lean Cuisines or a Vegan approach. It can be yoga or Bodybuilding, Kickboxing, Kettlebells or Crossfit– or any combo of these. We want to make sure that we choose all kinds of Ambassadors that represent all kinds of Fitness passions and pursuits. We want men and women, young and older, some “newbies” and some “experts”. What is most important to us is Passion and Personality. We want Ambassadors that are passionate about their health and passionate about inspiring others around them with their positive influence. This is how we find them to be FitFluential. And of course, to join FitFluential as an Ambassador, one must be actively sharing that Fitness passion online, whether it’s via a blog, videos on YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, or any combo of these. Social media allows us to connect with each other and spread a positive Fitness message more effectively. Our Ambassadors are passionate about Fitness and fantastic at spreading their message both online and offline, every day.

CL: You were named one of the “Top Young Female Entrepreneurs in Technology” by Business Week. How have you used social media to expand your business and the FitFluential message?

KO: I can say without a doubt that I would not be doing what I’m doing today without the continued use of social media. I’ve been blogging since 2007, but getting on Twitter in 2008 completely changed my approach, and it has become a fundamental tool for my business. I’ve met virtually every brand and almost every influencer that I work with via Twitter, followed by YouTube and blogs (and now Pinterest!) Engaging on all of these platforms is an amazing connector and gets the word out more effectively than any traditional media method could. Is it time consuming? Absolutely. Would I ever NOT use it as much as I am now? Absolutely not.

CL: We read that you have written a book on Social Media for business professionals. What can you tell us about that?

KO: A book is a funny thing. Yes, I wrote a book, and then I learned what the world of book publishing is all about. Frankly it’s a lot of work. We had a deal with a publisher fall through at the last minute, and at that point, I’d observed a lot of my friends and colleagues getting book deals and I observed the amount of work that went into that….and that the work really just begins when you get a book deal. Then you have to put an insane amount of time into promoting and selling that book. As my company has taken off, I made the personal decision to not pursue getting a new book deal because frankly there is no way I have time to do a book tour. Right now I’m working 7 days a week 12-15 hour days, and I would not be able to pull myself away from this to do a traditional book tour. That said– I’m very proud of my book and might update it (on vacation??) and go the Amazon route for publishing….we’ll see.

CL: What is your must-have fitness item?

KO: Oh you are asking the wrong person. I love too many things. I love my Polar Heart Rate Monitor that’s for sure. I love love love my TRX, of course weights, but also Bosu and my soon-to-arrive Ultimate Sandbag Training system (he’s an Ambassador, of course!). I could go on and on. I’m an equipment and DVD addict. Seriously.

CL: What advice do you wish you could go back and give college You?

KO: Oh wow. There’s a lot of advice I would give my college-self. I’d tell myself NOT to worry about what my major is because it just doesn’t matter. What matters more is your attitude, your professionalism and your willingness to WORK. I’d tell myself to not even consider going to law school. (that was my original goal). I’d tell myself to NOT get student loans!!! I’d tell myself to enjoy the ride a bit more, because the real world will be a rude awakening with all the responsibility that hits you after graduation. I loved college, but I think college “kids” (wow I FEEL OLD SAYING THAT) should relax a bit about what they study– take time to take classes and learn about things that interest you. You will get further in business having a personal passion about which to talk, instead of having this particular degree or that one. No one will ask you to talk about your business finance class, trust me. They’ll talk to you about sports or fitness or food or art….get a well-rounded education with some fun classes thrown in for good measure. Go to class! That’s what I learned a bit too late. It works!

Discover for yourself the fantastic community that Kelly has helped create by visiting FitFluential, Kelly’s personal blog, or Facebook and don’t forget Twitter and Pinterest, too!

—————————————————————————————–

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 blogs at Undercover Runner Eats about marathon training, nutrition, and her day-to-day life!

Working Out On Your Period: Here’s Why You Should Sweat

If you’re feeling bloated, emotional, and having cramps we understand that the last thing you want to do is throw on spandex and crank out some sprints. Yoga pants, frozen yogurt, and Gossip Girl are just so much more appealing, right? Working out through your period may actually help you breeze through your time of the month. You can reduce bloat, get flooded with endorphins, and relax the muscles causing cramps. Here is how to sweat it out with minimal discomfort.

 

Take the stairs

Sometimes, we just really need to avoid that bounce running gives us. Try the stair climber! A ridiculously good workout that your backside will appreciate (as will your boobs). It is perfect for reading a magazine, doing a few intervals, and getting all hot and sweaty.

 

Work on those Abs

A little advice my mom gave me in high school that sounds completely counterintuitive. Doing sit-ups actually helps reduce cramps, because the contraction and release of your muscles will ease the pain and discomfort.

 

Stretch it out

Yoga has amazing health benefits no matter what the time of the month. This may not be the time to try Bikram, but a gentle flow class or even a few poses on your own will work wonders. Deep breathing has been shown to help balance your mood and some poses will relieve cramps.

Try bow pose:

 

As moody and uncomfortable as your period may cause you to feel from time to time, the rush of endorphins and the relaxation of your muscles and mind will pay off.

 

Claire Brooks-Schulke loves spin class, lifting weights, and putting chocolate covered espresso beans on her frozen yogurt. She giggles every time she thinks of Ashton Kutcher referencing women’s periods in No Strings Attached.

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.

 

 

CL’s Workout Buddy System

The buddy system.  Were classy women and use the buddy system often when going out, traveling together and most famous going to the bathroom.  But do you use the buddy system working out?  I have been using this system for a couple years and now would rather go to the gym with someone then by myself.  I often beg people to go to the gym with me to motivate myself to get up and go!

Many people head to the gym and fall into their own zone ignoring everything around them.  I used to do the same thing and there is nothing wrong with that.  I realized though, that going to the gym with someone could be a lot of fun.  You don’t have to stick by that person the whole time but that act of going together makes a difference.

Benefits of going to the gym with someone else.

• You are more motivated: My boyfriend and I bought gym memberships together and I have found that it has forced me to go to the gym more.  I know I have to meet him at the gym Monday through Friday at a certain time and it forces me out of my bed to go.
• You push yourself more:  Many people have that natural drive to compete.  When you go to the gym with someone you know you often find yourself trying to be better than them.  You push yourself harder and most likely work out for a longer period.
• You can work out together: Having someone with you allows you to do joint activities together with weights and medicine balls among other things.  You can also have fun together by taking a class.

Research in the past has proven that people who work out together lose weight at a faster pace then those that workout alone.  Pledge to yourself that for one week you will try to work out with a buddy and see how you feel.

Check out Ellen’s 5 Best Fitness Apps before you head to the gym with a friend!

Be sure to check back for an upcoming article on buddy safety during Spring Break

Stephanie Coppola is an intern at College Lifestyles ™.  She is a graduate student at Quinnipiac University studying Interactive Communications.  She works out with a buddy 3-5 times a week!

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!

Next Page »