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!

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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!

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!

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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.

New Year, New You: Eat Better

“Lose weight” is always among the highest made New Year’s resolutions each year. However well-intended this is, like giving up sweets or losing 100 pounds, most people set goals that are unrealistic and impossible to achieve and set themselves up for failure. By making smaller, more manageable changes you will be more likely to reach those long-term goals toward healthier eating and a healthier body.

1. Eat three food groups at breakfast.
   We’ve all heard that those who eat breakfast have a healthier weight than those who skip it, but not all breakfast foods are created equal. Make sure you having lean protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in your meal to keep you satisfied, give you energy, and help build and repair your muscles! Check out our edition of Eat This, Not That for some healthy breakfast swaps!
2. Consider going meatless.
   The average American eats 8 oz. of meat a day. Too much fatty meat increases your risk for heart disease. By going meatless just one day a week you can help cut these risks. Check out the Meatless Monday movement for more information.
3. Make half your plate produce.
   Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. This will leave less room for higher-calorie options and is full of fiber, which makes you feel full. Plus, fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients to keep your cells healthy. Remember, the more colors of the rainbow that are on your plate, the more nutrients you’re getting!
4. Say “No” to packaged diet foods.
   Low-fat peanut butter, cookies, and chips may sounds like they’ve been heaven sent, but they’re often high in added sugars and sodium. Low-fat products also try to trick people into eating more since they’re a “diet” food. Don’t fear the fat! A square of quality dark chocolate can be just as satisfying as a few of those no-sugar, fat-free chocolate cookies.
5. Get more calcium.
   38% of Americans don’t get enough calcium in their diet. Calcium helps keep your bones strong and prevents fractures further down the road. So, drink a glass of milk and eat some yogurt. You can get it from non-dairy sources as well! Dark leafy greens, tofu, and fortified fruit juice and soy milk are excellent sources as well.

Whether you want to lose a few of those pounds you put on over the holidays or just want to not eat as many slices of pizza this year, make small, specific goals to help you achieve that bigger goal of fitting comfortably into your favorite pair of jeans! Recruit friends and family to help and join the path to healthier eating alongside you! Make 2012 your year with a new you.

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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. In 2012, she aims to run in two marathons, keep her grades high, and gain confidence in driving her new manual transmission car.

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.

Don’t Fear the Needle

This week, fellow intern Stephanie C taught us all about January being National Blood Donor Month. As a registered (B-positive!) blood donor and a blood drive organizer, I’ve come across all of the barriers, fears, and pitfalls of donating blood. Here are some of the common fears that come with donating blood and how to battle them head-to-head to come out victorious and help your fellow man (and woman)!

Passing Out

During blood collection, blood volume decreases and this causes your blood pressure to drop. This sudden drop is what causes some people to pass out as can sudden drops in blood sugar. Even stress can cause it by triggering a “flight or fight” response in the brain. To avoid: Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a diet high in iron before donation. Fluids keep blood volume at normal levels and high iron levels counteract the loss of iron during donation. Do not go in with an empty stomach. Also, don’t hold your breath; continue breathing calmly and normally.

Getting Turned Away

Lots of people get turned away from donation by not meeting the high standards set by the American Red Cross. Most of the people that I’ve seen and talked to were turned away due to low iron levels, having a cold, or international travel to certain areas. I myself could not donate for an entire year while I was taking medications for my skin because it was on the Red Cross’ “no-no” list. Check the list to see if your medications could disqualify you. To avoid: Maintain a diet high in iron, check the Red Cross’ qualifications listing for travel and medication, and practice good hygiene to avoid contracting contagious diseases.

Fear of Needles

I’ll admit it. I hate needles. I’ve been stuck more times than I can count in my life and I still can’t look when they prick me for shots or blood tests. To avoid: For some, just turning away and not looking helps. Others could find listening to their favorite songs on their iPod as calming. And don’t be embarrassed to bring a friend along. I’d say at least 1:2 or 1:3 of every girl I see come in has a friend come with them for support.

Before your appointment: Eat 3 hours prior to donation. Eat iron-rich foods for two weeks before your appointment (or at least a few days). Spinach, whole grains, eggs, and beef accompanied by good levels of vitamin C (get yourself some orange juice) will enhance iron absorption to help you meet hemoglobin requirements.

After your appointment: Have a snack offered by the donation organizers. Water or juice and something with a high sugar content. Eat a meal high in protein to help your body make more blood. Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 8 hours. No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

If you are a student athlete, donation could affect performance, so consult your coach. If you want to exercise, try walking or some light yoga and stop immediately if you start to feel faint or nauseous. Remember, 10% of your blood was just taken out, it takes about 48 hours for your cells to regenerate!

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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 a registered blood donor and loves to share her B-POSITIVE! blood with those in need whenever she can.

Winter Slump? Add Some Emergen-C to your Drink

With the holiday season over (many of us are returning home from our seasonal  travels), and our interns prepping to return back to campus, we have come to the realization our days of ‘kicking back’ will quickly be replaced with moving, studying, and yes, exams.  As much as we say we will not procrastinate, we still can get drained from late nights at our laptop.  Reaching for water during the cold, winter months may not sound appetizing (our Editor in Chief struggles with this!) so we reach for our favorite, tea and coffee.

 

In reaching for our tea and coffee, many of us look to add a ‘punch’ or ‘boost’ to our drinks.  Instead of cream or sugar, add a vitamin mix packet from Emergen-C.  Each packet provides 24 nutrients, including 7 B vitamins – so there is no caffeine, and no crash.

Emergen-C has various products and flavors to satisfy even the pickiest individual, and  our favorites include the Emergen-C Super Orange and the Immune + Citrus.  The packets mixed easily in water and did not have a ‘chalky’ taste.  What we liked the most about Emergen-C products is they are ‘winter friendly‘  and mix easily with our tea.  We tried this delicious recipe (courtesy of Emergen-C) and are huge fans.

CHAI L’ORANGE
8 oz. Hot Chai Tea (like Oregon Chai) (NOTE – We used the Winter Spice Tea)
1 Packet of Super Orange Emergen-C
1 Squeeze of Honey
Dash of Nutmeg

Pour 6 oz. of hot (but not boiling) Chai into a mug, add packet of Emergen-C Super Orange, stir in the honey, top with remaining Chai, and sprinkle with nutmeg.

 

Other fun recipes from Emergen-C include:

 

BLUETINI
1 packet of Emergen-C BLUE vitamin drink mix
1 packet of Emergen-C Vitamin D & Calcium mixed berry vitamin drink mix
2 ounces of fresh pineapple juice
1⁄2 teaspoon of coconut extract or water
6 ounces of sparkling water
Ice (crushed or cubed)

Combine drink mixes, pineapple juice, coconut water, and sparkling water. Stir. Add ice. Serve in a martini glass to make it special. Cheers! Serves 1.

 

“ROCK YOUR WORLD” HEALTHY COCKTAIL
4 packets of Emergen-C Raspberry vitamin drink mix
4 cups of orange juice (squeeze fresh oranges)
1 cup of raspberries (fresh if possible)
1 1⁄2 cups of sparkling water
Orange slices (and don’t just look at ‘em, eat ‘em!)
 
Blend the orange juice and raspberries until smooth. Stir in sparkling water and Emergen-C Raspberry drink mix. Add ice. Garnish with orange slices. Rock your day! Serves 4.

Visit the Emergen-C website for descriptions on various flavors, store locations, and recipes for you to try!

 

Disclaimer:  We would like to thank Emergen-C for providing the College Lifestyles office with product samples.  As always, opinions are all our own.

 

 

Start the New Year Off with Veggie Patch!

At College Lifestyles, we love anything nutritious, delicious, AND quick!  Our staff combines work, their fabulous internships (many of our interns/writers have several internships), school, and of course play (add in our Editor in Chief chases around a 9 1/2 month old baby girl!).  Needed in the mix is something quick and tasty.

Combine our ‘over programmed schedule’ with the running thoughts of eating well for the New Years. This is the time of the year where we throw out holiday leftovers (think egg nog, pumpkin pie, and casseroles).  However, we find ourselves with an empty freezer, busy schedule, and New Years thoughts of eating better.  What can we buy?

Enter Veggie Patch products!  Found in your local grocer freezer/refrigerator section, Veggie Patch products contain zero trans fats, contain no GMO (genetically modified ingredients, and are MSG free!  Veggie Patch uses soy in its products.  As stated on the Veggie Patch website, ‘The soybean is a green vegetable in the legume family. Many products are made from soybeans like soybean oil, soy sauce and concentrated soy protein. Concentrated soy protein is what we use to make our meatless Veggie Patch products.’

The big test of Veggie Patch products is, of course, taste.  What did we think?  With a great variety of products, our favorites were the Spinach Bites AND the Veggie Dogs.

We added a twist to the Spinach Bites – After preparing the Spinach Bites (simply bake), we dipped in a pizza sauce.  It was wonderful.  The Veggie Dogs we served with mustard and whole wheat hot dog buns.

Check out the Veggie Patch website for other products, store locators, and recipes.

Disclaimer:  We like to thank the Veggie Patch team for sending products for our review.  As always, thoughts on products are all our own.

A Simple, Classy Cookie Recipe

Got invited to a last minute cookie swap? Jonesing for a cookie but don’t want to run to the store for special ingredients? Want to impress your boyfriend’s parents with a cookie that tastes great and looks fancy? College Lifestyles has just the recipe for you! This simple recipe uses very few ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand in your kitchen. Not only are these cookies simple and delicious, but they can be made in almost no time at all! Now, fire up your ovens…

Russian Tea Cakes
(Makes 36 cookies)

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners’ sugar for decoration

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes. When cool, roll in confectioners’ sugar.

See? Simple as that! In an attempt to make these cookies slightly healthier, I used unsalted butter instead of regular butter and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Also, if you can’t find chopped walnuts, you can buy walnut pieces or halves and give them a few pulses in a food processor. Not too much though! These cookies also freeze very well in case it will be a while before you get to share.

These cookies look delicate and are sure to please at whatever classy affair you bring them to. Don’t forget to write the recipe down! Guests are sure to be asking you for your baking secrets.

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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. Shes loves spending time baking cookies with her mom for friends and family.

 

The 2011 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

Have a yogini or road runner on your holiday gift list this year and no clue what to get them? Take a look at this guide to find the perfect gift for that fashionable activity lover in your life below. We’ve got you covered with all of the hottest fitness gifts of 2011! These gifts would also be great for anyone looking to complete some fitness-related resolutions in the new year.

For the yogini:
- A mat bag from oGorgeous – “Perfect bag for the uber hip yogi. The sweetheart trims are feminine and pair nicely with the exquisite eyelet fabric. Will fit any size yoga mat with room for much more.”

- Mat towel – If you’ve ever taken a hot yoga class, you know how badly you want a towel to keep you from slipping and sliding all over the place as you attempt the perfect Sun Salutation.

- lululemon Power Y Tank – “This tank’s thin racerback straps allow for open, unrestricted movement in the shoulders while the body-skimming fit is a welcome feature for those of us who have set our intention on a handstand. No need to tuck this tank in, the Power Y stays put.”

For the runner:

- lululemon Reflective Key Cuff – great for those who prefer to bring their workout outdoors and also works great to wipe away the sweat!

- race registration – race registration fees are expensive and they really add up over time. With a race costing anywhere from $15-$200+ we’re sure that any donation to their race fund would be greatly appreciated.

- Without Limits DVD – this film follows the life of famous 1970s runner Steve Prefontaine from his days running in Oregon, to Oregon University, and the Olympics in Munich. Stars Billy Crudup and Donald Sutherland.

- B.I.C. bands – the headband that will not slip. Great for wearing to class, meeting friends for lunch, or a high-intensity cardio session. They come in dozens of fun colors, patterns, and thicknesses!

For the at-home exerciser:

- Gymboss interval timer – create your own circuit workouts or use with Bodyrock workouts for the most intense (and quickest!) workouts of your life. Comes in 7 colors.

– Swiss ball – versatile, portable, and easy to use. These inflatable balance balls are great for improving core strength and stability.

- P90X2 – almost everyone is familiar with the P90X Muscle Confusion system. The creators over at BeachBody have upped the ante with this sequel utilizing a Post-Activation Potentiation technique instead. The complete 90-day program comes with a workout calendar, fitness guide, 12 workouts on 13 DVDs, and a nutrition guide to help you achieve your fitness dreams.

I hope that this list has given all you classy CL readers some great ideas for your favorite fitness buff, or maybe even some ideas of what to add to your own wish list this year!

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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. On her wish list this year are Brooks Adrenaline GTS running shoes, Femme Fitale fitness gloves, and the DVD “Stick It”.

CL Virtual Cookie Swap

‘Tis the season for many things. Tree lightings, family dinners, shopping, and, of course, cookies.  The tradition of Christmas cookies goes back thousands of years when farmers used to bake food made of grain and water. Gingerbread was probably the first cookie to be traditionally associated with the holidays and cookies spread all over Europe by the 1500s.

Since then, baking cookies has become a tradition in many homes during the holidays. Whether they be sugar, chocolate chip, or gingerbread. Delicate and intricate, or simple and crunchy, it’s near impossible to pass up just one cookie from the cookie plate. And it’s not just cookies that we love to make during the holiday season. Fruit cake, dessert bars, and fudge also make their presence known at get-togethers and  in our stomachs.

Join College Lifestyles by posting your favorite holiday recipe in our virtual cookie swap! Entries are open from December 1 through December 15. Simply click below to add the link to your favorite recipe and look at the other recipes to get some new ideas of your own!

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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. During the holidays, she loves to make Russian Tea Cakes and Seven Layer (Magic) Bars.

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