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.

5 Tips for Cold Weather Running

Winter is in full force now with long, snowy days and wind chills that make you wanna wrap up in a blanket in front of the TV. These are the months where all your hard work put in over the last nine months will diminish away as the thought of rosy cheeks and burning lungs intimidate us into giving up on our running routines. Of course, you can run at the gym or on your treadmill at home, but it’s just not the same feeling you get as you breathe in fresh air during a run on your favorite back road. Good news: you don’t have to give that up! Many people run outside during the winter. The key is developing smart skills to keep you safe and healthy. Here are 5 things you should consider when planning your outside running regime:

1. Dress smart – Head, hands, feet, and face. Remember these four areas because they are crucial to keeping your body temperature up. Whether you wear a hat, ear muffs, or a headband, be sure to keep your ears covered and a majority of your head because as you sweat, body heat will escape most easily from your head. The same goes for the other areas mentioned. Wear mittens instead of gloves so your fingers can share warmth with one another. Find a pair of shoes with the least amount of meshing possible to keep your feet dry from the snow and slush. And on really cold days it’s always a good idea to wear a scarf or face mask to keep your face from getting wind burnt or worse, frostbite. Follow this guide from Runner’s World to gauge how to best dress the rest of your body:

30 degrees: 2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeve base layer and a vest keep your core warm. Tights.
10 to 20 degrees: 2 tops, 2 bottoms. A jacket over your base layer, and wind pants over the tights.
0 to 10 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms. Two tops (fleece for the cold-prone) and a jacket.
Minus 10 to 0 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, extra pair of mittens, 1 scarf wrapped around mouth or a balaclava (face mask).
Minus 20 degrees: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 extra pairs of mittens, 1 balaclava, sunglasses

2. Warm-up – Be sure to warm up before you go aside. Try running the stairs in your dorm, apartment, or house. You can also do yoga, or jump rope, as long as it is an activity  that will get your heart pumping and your body heated. If your body is already producing heat before you step outside, it won’t feel as cold.

3. Run smart – In order to get the best results from your run and avoid injury you have to know some basic rules to running smart. When planning your course, be sure to take the wind into consideration. It is best to run at the wind during the beginning of your run and with the wind at your back at the end. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Even though it’s not as warm outside, you are still sweating and need to replenish your body.  Also, be sure to watch out for slippery patches of ice!

4. Ease into it – Running in the cold, is significantly different than running in warm weather. The cold weather often causes burning of the lungs because your body isn’t used to sucking in such cold air. Only run as far as your body is capable. For the first few times, don’t push it. Winter runs are often more about maintaining your health than going for speed or distance. Start small and work your way up.

5. Post-run procedure – After your run be sure to do your cool down. This will help your body slowly return to it’s regular temperature rather than shock it back to normal. When you return home, change immediately because the sweat on your clothes will turn cold quickly causing you to cool down at an abnormal rate. It’s always a good idea to jump in the shower as well to get off any excess sweat. After your shower be sure to dress in something warm and you might even try drinking a warm cup of tea to warm your body up.

Now that you have a good understanding of how to run safely in the cold weather, get out there and put some miles on those neglected running shoes! Personally, I’ve found running outside a great way to lift my mood and wake up my body, even on the most cold and dreary winter days.

 

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.

Focus On: CrossFit

FRAN, KELLY, CINDY. To most of us, this is just a list of girl’s names. But, to the CrossFit follower, these names spell death. CrossFit is a workout sensation that has taken off this past year, although they have been having international competitions since 2007. CrossFit was founded by former high-school gymnast Greg Glassman and his ex-wife Lauren Jenai with the first gym opening in 1995 in Santa Cruz. CrossFit has been utilized by police and fire departments as well as armed forces for training, but is accessible and enjoyed by all.

CrossFit is a combination of weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebells, Plyometrics, rowing, and medicine ball training. Special gyms (or “boxes”) are set up around the country to provide all the equipment that you need to do the “Workout of the Day” or “WOD” which is usually different every day. Regardless of experience, modifications can be made to make the workout individual to each person (called “scaling”). Most people do the workouts 3-5 days per week, but the workouts are very short and highly intense, taking only 5-30 minutes to complete, so it’s attractive in that you get a great workout when you don’t have a lot of time to be in the gym.

So, what does a CrossFit workout look like?

Warm up: 400m run

30 air squats

20 leg lifts

10 back extensions

5 pull-ups

WOD: 5 rounds of:

5 Thrusters 95#

5 Toes-to-Bar

10 Wall-balls 20#

10 Sit-ups

CrossFit is not about competing against others. It is about competing against yourself and bettering yourself. CrossFit has been shown to improve cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy.

Intriged? Visit the official CrossFit website here. You can also look and see if there is a CrossFit affiliated gym near 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 is currently training to run her first marathon.

CL’s Top 10 Ways to Stay Fit While Studying Abroad

Remember the Freshman 15? There is a similar, lesser-known college-related weight gain: the Study Abroad 15. Y0u don’t think about it when you’re leaving, or even while you’re away. But suddenly, one day, you realize that your jeans are a little bit too tight, and that everyone in your program is just a little bit chubbier than they were at the beginning of this semester.. Avoid this aha moment by following these tips.

 

1. Pack right. It’s hard enough trying to find the motivation to exercise while studying abroad. Don’t complicate the situation by having to by workout gear too. Make sure to bring your regular workout wear with you, whether that’s sneakers or a swimsuit, cap, and goggles. The one thing you probably want to buy abroad is a yoga mat. Most countries will have them, and they take up too much room in your suitcase.

2. Sign up for a gym your first week. This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people neglect to do this (myself included). You’ll be overwhelmed your first week, but signing up for a gym during this crucial time will ensure that exercise stays high on your priority list. Gym membership also encourages you to make good use of all that money you paid.

3. Take a class. An exercise class is a fun way to keep fit, adds routine to your hectic schedule, and holds you accountable to staying fit. Even if you don’t know the language, it’s easy to follow the movements in a Zumba or kickboxing class. And if you’re studying the language, you can practice with other native speakers i.e. your classmates.

4. Drink responsibly. Studying abroad, for many college students, means finally being able to drink legally. Not to burst your bubble, but drinking that often also means consuming tons of empty calories. Try sticking to light beer, dry white or red wine, champagne, and low-calorie cocktails. (Think gin and tonic, not a chocolate martini.) Also, stick to 1 or 2 shots a night.

5. Drink responsibly, part 2. Speaking of empty calories, soda and juice are exactly that, and they don’t even provide you with the buzz that alcohol does. Buy a canteen, fill it with water, and carry it around with you. It’s cheaper, and better for you. As for coffee, stick with the classic drinks, not frothy Frappuccinos. The coffee probably tastes better anyway.

6. Vacation wisely. When my friends and I went to Mendoza last semester, we went on a wine tour by bicycle. Look for good-for-you options like this one on your own vacations. Think winter sports, hiking, or bike tours for the more urban-minded.

7. Treat yourself, but wisely. It is likely that you will find a treat that you find yourself wanting every day, whether that is gelato in Italy or macaroons in France. It’s OK to indulge yourself once in a while, but eating them all the time is overdoing it. A good way to control your intake is to only eat these sweets on the weekends.

8. Chew 10 times.  If you follow nothing else on this list, follow this one. It takes time for your body to communicate to your brain that it’s full. So eating more slowly means that you eat less. This alone won’t keep you fit, but it helps a lot.

9. Walk around. You may take a car everywhere in the US, but follow the locals’ lead while you’re away. This likely means walking and public transport. Also, see if the city that you’re studying in has a free bike share – another fun, easy way to get fit.

10. Keep a food journal. While you’re abroad, you’ll be trying lots of new food. By keeping a food journal, you’ll be able to remember what you liked, and what you really really didn’t. It also helps you keep track of what you’re eating, so you can balance your super-heavy dinner with a light lunch the next day.

Need more advice for studying abroad? Check out our guides on what to pack, and how to stay stylish on your flight over!

Sasha Graffagna is a current junior at NYU studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She studied abroad in Argentina last semester, and will be studying in Puerto Rico this semester.

CL Presents: How to Stay Active During Break

After a stressful semester we often find ourselves wanting to veg out on the couch during winter break.  There is nothing wrong with a little rest and relaxation but you will feel much better about yourself if you stay active in some way.  I am not saying go to the gym everyday but a little physical exercise here and there won’t hurt.  Use winter break as a time to try new activities with friends and family.

Are you unsure on how to stay active but not overdo it?  Consider some of these tips!

Set a Plan: Before winter break starts set a plan on how often you would like to stay active.  Even if its only working out once a week, it is better than nothing.  Setting a plan will help you stay on track and you might even get that guilty feeling if you skip your  gym day.  Take this time to go to the gym with a buddy or try a class for the first time like kickboxing, yoga, or weight training.  Training with a buddy will push you to work harder.

Walk the Dog:  Do you have a dog you want to spend quality time with?  Take your dog for a walk and play with them outside.  The snow seems to be lacking in most areas so bring your dog to the park or take them on a run with you.  Not only will you be happy you are spending time with your animals but your dog will be happy they got to spend some time outside!

Avoid Spending All Your Time on the Couch: Of course it is winter break and you want to spend some time on the couch but don’t sit there all month long and do nothing.  If you avoid everything your entire break you are going to be upset with yourself at the end.  Get up and do something!  Walk around the mall or go ice skating with your friends.  If you find yourself sitting around all the time, watch an episode of tv standing up just to get the blood flowing.

Remember that being active doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym for hours on end every day.  Get the blood flowing and go outside and do something fun.  Hopefully we will have snow soon and you can go skiing or play in the snow!  Try and walk around or be standing doing something for 20 minutes a day.  At the end of your break you will be much happier with yourself for staying active then spending everyday on the couch.

For more fun tips check out Nicole Smith’s article CL’s Guide on How to Stay Motivated to Workout During the Cold Winter Months.

Stephanie Coppola is an intern at College Lifestyles ™.  She recently graduated from Quinnipiac University with a major in Print Journalism and a minor in Sports Studies.  She is going to stay active this winter by figure skating and training at the gym!

CL Interviews Clean Eating Chelsey

Chelsey S. is a fabulous 20-something and self-proclaimed foodie and health enthusiast who created the blog Clean Eating Chelsey. After graduating from Illinois State University, she began to experience health problems: stomachaches, migraines, joint pain, low energy, mood swings, and more. Soon thereafter, this classy co-ed learned that she was gluten and corn intolerant and probably lactose intolerant as well. No wonder she felt so sick! So, she eliminated these products from her diet and is now back with a healthy glow and a new food philosophy. Put simply: “If it comes from a box, I most likely will not be eating it.”

CL: How long have you been blogging for? What got you started?

Chelsey: I have been blogging since June 2010. I originally began blogging because I really and truly love blogs! I had been reading for a while, but I knew I had to reach out to others to share my story. After being diagnosed with multiple food intolerances in October/November 2009, I had a very difficult transition period that I knew many others could identify with. Now, I can’t imagine my life without blogging!

CL: What is “clean eating”? What about it appeals to you?

Chelsey: Everyone has their own personal definition of clean eating. To me, clean eating is eating whole, unprocessed foods devoid of artificial ingredients or preservatives. Knowing that what I am eating is safe for my husband and me puts my mind at ease. With so many chemicals, processed foods, and genetically modified foods out on the market, I know I don’t want them in my body.

CL: What would be your advice to someone who wants to start eating “cleaner”?

Chelsey: Clean eating isn’t all that hard – and it really is not boring. In fact, my blog’s tagline is “where clean eating is anything but commonplace”. My main advice though is to start slow. Think about cleaning up your food choices as a lifestyle change, not as a diet to lose weight, but to feel better all around. For example, if you eat instant oatmeal for breakfast every morning, try eating bulk oats instead. If you usually buy prepared salads for lunch, try making your own at home with organic and fresh ingredients. If you are craving Thai takeout for dinner, look up a recipe to make your own stir-fry. Obviously time is always an issue, so plan ahead! Most meals that I make take less than 30 minutes on a weeknight.

CL: You have a full-time job, a blog, are married, AND run half-marathons, how do you find the time to fit in family, fun, work, and fitness?

Chelsey: Wow, I do sound busy, don’t I? In life, it is all about balance. I have always been good at managing my time, and that really helped me transition into the “real world” when I got married, bought a house, and took on a job. There is always something to be done, but living life always comes first. Sometimes the dishes can stay in the sink for a few hours a night. Sometimes the blog can wait until the next day because I have a family obligation. By planning ahead (key!) and really zoning in on my priorities, I have found what works for me.

CL: What does a regular week look like for you in terms of working out?

Chelsey: Most mornings I will exercise before school (I am an elementary school teacher). I get up around 4:15 (yes, I am a little bit crazy), get to the gym by 4:30, and am done with my workout by 5:15 every morning. I have so many other obligations after school between work, my family, and my other job (blogging!) that exercising in the morning works much better for me. On the weekends, I usually take a hot yoga class or complete longer runs when I have more time. Sundays are always rest days for me!

CL: What was your college experience like? What advice would to give to co-eds?

Chelsey: College was a blast. There is nothing I would change about my experience except for getting more involved with different organizations on campus, especially my first semester away from home. Any sort of change can be scary and stressful, so having a “home base” organization like a club or a sport can be very helpful to help ground you and keep you busy! Obviously staying healthy in college is difficult, so I would really urge college students to find exercise they enjoy, healthy snacks and food to keep their brains on top of it all, and to keep drinking at a reasonable level.

CL: Can you share your favorite healthy recipe with us?

Chelsey: Asking a food blogger to share her favorite recipe is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. You do realize this, don’t you? I suppose I am a rule breaker, so I am going to share one sweet and one savory recipe. One of my favorite snacks is granola – I usually eat a bowl of it every night as a snack. My favorite granola recipe is Trail Mix Granola – I could eat this by the tubful. One of my favorite healthy and savory dishes is Creamy Pasta Primavera.

Check out Chelsey’s “How I Do ‘It’” series! She covers topics all of us CL girls worry about: time management, healthy eating, self-worth, and exercise.

—————————————————————————————–

Ellen Ratliff is a Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She tries to eat “clean” as much as possible, but still enjoys her Enjoy Life Allergen-Free Dark Chocolate bars from time to time.

How Music Kicks Up Your Workout

We’ve all had those days where it’s enough of an effort just to get out of bed in the morning, let alone get ourselves to the gym and try and talk ourselves into working up a sweat to keep our bodies strong and healthy. So, how does a low-energy, chic CL lady get herself motivated to work out? If you’re like a number of people, you plug in those earbuds and blast your favorite song and instantly feel like you could take on the world. Why is that?

More and more people are using music when they exercise. While it may not always be fitting, such as if you are running in an official race (many races do not allow mp3 players), it could be just the thing to give you that extra boost you need during a regular workout.

Several studies have been done on the use of music during exercise. One study suggests that music helps distract people from the physical discomfort they may feel. Let’s face it, even us fabulous CL girls get a little sore and out of breath; it’s normal! But, if you find yourself struggling with these mental barriers, music may be just the distraction you need. It also makes the time fly by! Listening to music narrows your focus so you may not realize that your body is starting to feel tired as quickly.

Music can also really get your heart pumping! Depending on the speed, or tempo, of the song you are listening to, your heart rate will actually increase in response to fast songs and decrease in response to slow songs. So, as much as you love that romantic slow jam, you may want to think about creating a special workout playlist that includes lots of upbeat songs. Your mother sang you lullaby’s to get you to sleep, so it makes sense that they probably would not be the greatest choice

Have you ever listened to a song while walking to class and found yourself walking in time to the music? Use that to your advantage! Running Music Mix allows you look up songs based on their BPM (beats per minute). Finding songs that sync with your steps will help you keep up your pace while running. For example, “Umbrella” by Rihanna is 89bpm and would be good for when you’re winding down, but “Rockafeller Skank (Funk Soul Brother)” by Fatboy Slim is 153bpm and would be perfect for endurance activities like jogging.

Music has been used for thousands of years to motivate physical activity. Just think back to when ships were propelled by men and oars. Remember the guy who beats the drum? He’s creating a rhythm for the rowers to follow. We naturally follow a tempo.

REMEMBER!: If you’re going to plug in, make sure that you use a moderate volume level so that you don’t damage your hearing. Also, if you run outdoors it’s very important that you stay aware of your surroundings. A classy co-ed always thinks about safety first! Also, listen to your body. While music may help you push through a little discomfort, you should never work out if you are in pain. Check with a doctor before you do some real damage to your body!

—————————————————————————————–

Ellen Ratliff is a Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. Her favorite workout songs include “Raise Your Glass” by Pink and mash-ups like those done by Super Mash Bros. and Girl Talk.

Carolina Loyola-Garcia Talks to CL about Getting Fit with Flamenco Dance

With classes, piles of homework, Greek life and extracurriculars to keep up with, staying in shape as a well-rounded college student can become a challenge. But thanks to flamenco dance, keeping your figure fit has never been more exciting (and a stress relief for classy co-eds!). CL sat down with flamenco dance instructor, Carolina Loyola-Garcia, before a performance at Penn State Altoona to gain insight about Centro Flamenco de Pittsburgh, why students love to flamenco, and how she stays healthy.

Loyola-Garcia has been a flamenco dancer for 15 years, stating “it’s a good way to connect with my roots; it’s a good way to stay physically active.” However, her love of art doesn’t stop there–she’s also an Associate Professor of Media Arts at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. When she’s not teaching in the classroom, she’s teaching lessons for dance organization Centro Flamenco de Pittsburgh at Zafira Dance Studios, also located in Pittsburgh.

“Centro Flamenco de Pittsburgh is an organization whose mission is to promote flamenco arts in Western Pennsylvania by offering classes, workshops, performances, and educational events,” Loyola-Garcia said.

After taking flamenco classes in New York, San Francisco, Spain, and other major cities and places abroad, Loyola-Garcia wanted to bring flamenco dance to Pittsburgh where the flamenco dance scene was virtually nonexistent. Now, aspiring flamenco dancers come from around the globe to attend workshops and classes in the studio.

“It’s spiritually rewarding; you’re exercising and adding an art form into it,” Loyola-Garcia said.

Since Zafira Studios is located in Pittsburgh, Pa., there’s no shortage of diversity in a typical flamenco class.With the Jewish, Arabic, Spanish and gypsy influences incorporated into this form of dance, Loyola-Garcia believes that “the cultural heritage has brought people together. It resonates with people all over the world.”

Each class is broken up into two parts: technique, arm work and learning hand expressions is covered in the first section, and choreography is covered in the second section. However making sure that you are fully stretched before any dance class is key, Loyola-Garcia said. To make stretching easier, she suggested devoting a half hour a week two to three times a week to get your muscles used to it. She also stated that progress will happen through time, so don’t rush it.

“Consistency and persistence is important,” she said.

Loyola-Garcia said many faculty members and students come to her classes in need of a release from tension, stating “it’s almost like meditation; it’s a good outlet for emoting.” She believes it also helps dancers become more comfortable in their own skin–she’s noticed that dancers’ self-esteem and positive energy rises as classes continue.

“It doesn’t have to be torture to get fit. Do something you like!” she said.

To keep in shape outside of teaching flamenco dance, Loyola-Garcia is an avid runner, practices yoga, and sometimes goes biking. She runs for endurance, does yoga to strengthen her core and flexibility, and goes biking with her family on Pittsburgh trails for fun!

For co-eds on a budget, Loyola-Garcia, who enjoys shopping at Trader Joe’s, suggested shopping at food co-ops and farmers markets if possible and to also stock up on trail mix and yummy fruits like bananas and apples as snack items. “Just have something healthy in your backpack, and drink lots of water!” Loyola-Garcia said.

Loyola-Garcia lives near a Whole Foods, making healthy food and drink options easily accessible. She stays hydrated with plenty of water and sports drinks, enjoys drinking almond milk (because it contains 0% saturated fat, is an amazing source of calcium and vitamin E and she loves the taste!) and eats plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, whole wheat products, carbs and protein. (Fun fact: one of her favorite meals to eat is rice with veggies.)

Up until several weeks ago, Loyola-Garcia was a vegetarian, but after noticing her lack of energy, she started eating red meat again to give herself a boost. Loyola-Garcia is proof that being busy doesn’t mean you can’t live healthily!

Are you ladies ready to flamenco? I bet you are! Stay happy and healthy, CL readers!

Tiana Blue is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is a print journalism major at Penn State. This sophomore is an avid blogger that loves to write, draw, roam the streets of Manhattan, and channel her inner chef by watching Food Network re-runs.

CL’s How To: Stay Active During Your Busy College Schedule

It’s the beginning of the year, so I know that you all are so busy: moving in, getting settled, running errands, joining clubs, and trying to get used to your classes…how does a girl do it all?! Even though your days are jam-packed it’s still very important to keep fitness a priority. Keeping up with your health and fitness can have you feeling happier, help fight against stress and sickness and keep that freshman 15 at bay. I know you don’t have a lot of time to devote to working out, so here are a few ways to fit workouts into your busy, hectic days.

Use your school gym: If your school offers free access to a gym, then by all means use it! Even if you just go for a half hour, you’ll feel better and more energized. Try to use it as study break during stressful days; you’ll clear your head and be ready to keep on going!

Take the stairs: I know it’s so much easier to take the elevator, but if you’re looking for an easy toning exercise, taking the stairs is a good habit to get into. After a while, you’ll get so used it that taking the stairs will be second nature to you!

Walk/Bike to Class: If you’re close enough to campus, try to avoid driving or public transportation and use your legs to get to class! Not only will it save you money, but you’ll be multitasking: getting in a workout and getting to class on time.

Take a Fitness Class: Many gyms have a full list of fitness classes, such as yoga, spinning and kickboxing, but one of the many perks of belonging to your school gym is that you can enroll in those classes for a discounted price, or even for class credit and therefore free of charge.

Sign up for an Intramural: A fun way to work out and meet new friends is to sign up for your school’s intramural teams. There are always the classics like soccer and basketball, plus a few ones that a little more creative. My school has Broomball (think ice hockey in tennis shoes) which is a blast and something I had never heard of before!

Try out any of these options and you’re on you way to a healthier and more active lifestyle. Just make sure to keep fitness a priority and it’ll become a necessity in your busy day. Good luck co-eds!

Katie Maguire is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in history. She is Sisterhood Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority and loves baking, working out and laughing with her friends!

A CL Guide to Getting Healthy with Your Girls!

Having girlfriends is useful in so many aspects of a college girls’ life: they always provide at least one shoulder to cry on, are willing to trade a night of partying for a night of movies, and will be there to tell you honestly about all of your fashion faux pas. Your girlfriends also have an influence on the foods you choose to eat and the drinks you decide to buy during the school year, which can be a good thing or take a turn for the worse. If your girls are hindering your healthy streak, don’t search for new besties — just learn to be healthy together!

Talk About It

Confronting your girlfriends about your aspirations of leading a healthier lifestyle is the easiest part. Approach them individually, confidently telling each of them that you’ve been thinking about making more health-conscious decisions. Your girls will know you mean business when you talk to them as a group, offering ideas of what you hope to change about your habits and what you hope to accomplish together this year, whether that’s drinking more water or eating less Cup Noodles.

Create A Simple Plan

Once your girlfriends have accepted the challenge, set some reasonable goals to attain. As a group, decide if you’d like to go the more dedicated route by developing a weekly meal plan, or take the simpler road by making a weekly checklist of what you’d like to achieve and things you’d like to stay away from. If you and your girls choose the latter, try making this list every Sunday with what you want to accomplish on the top (such as walking at least a mile on the track or incorporating a few fruits into your meals), and what you don’t want to do on the bottom (such as eating a whole row of Oreos or drinking any energy drinks) — crossing items off of a to-do list is such a motivating feeling.

As the goals become less of a chore, up the stakes and start challenging each other even more! Need a little inspiration? Check out a CL interview with SELF’s Eat Like Me blogger, Sarah Jane-Bedwell, and read how she sets health goals.

It’s okay to get a little sidetracked; it happens to the best of us. But making a week’s worth of wrong choices will result in a snowball effect of making more wrong choices. So don’t mess with a good thing! Keep up the hard work and keep your eyes on the prize, which is a healthier, more vibrant you! Consider Nicole C.’s article about food-intake suggestions and Debra S.’s article about staying  in shape on campus if you find yourself veering off track.

Celebrate The Progress

Keep in mind that healthy doesn’t mean seeing a drastically smaller number on the scale. You’re making progress when you start to feel rejuvenated inside and out, internally and mentally. You don’t want to celebrate too early, so after about a month of dedication, get dressed up and go out for a nice dinner for a job well done. Clap for yourself, you deserve it!

As a final thought, how do you and your savvy girlfriends keep healthy goals in mind? Do you put your brains together and figure out meal plans, do you grocery shop together, or schedule times to take fitness classes at your university gym? Leave a comment and let CL know!

Tiana Blue is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is a print journalism major at Penn State. This sophomore is an avid blogger that loves to write, draw, roam the streets of Manhattan, and channel her inner chef by watching Food Network re-runs.

Next Page »