Back to School

Tip of the Day:
For college students, school will start very soon and life is probably going to get a whole lot busier. When it comes to staying in shape for most students the problem isn't inactivity but just the overabundance of junk food and late night snacking. Obviously there are tons of factors that attribute to college weight gain but here are 5 tips to keep the extra pounds away!

1. Plan ahead: The best way to avoid bad food decisions is to plan your meals ahead of time. If you live on campus, scout out the dining halls and keep in mind their open hours. If you live off campus, do all of your shopping and preparation beforehand.
2. Don't skip breakfast: Breakfast literally sets the pace for the day. It will give you the energy you need and will rev up your metabolism so that you burn more calories throughout the day.
3. Eat often: If you are a one-meal-a-day kind of person, you are not doing yourself any favors. You're forcing your body to conserve energy (calories), making you less active, less focused, and less likely to burn extra calories. Instead, don't let yourself get hungry by eating healthy smaller meals and snacks often throughout the day.
4. Stay hydrated: Remember to drink lots of water. The average person requires at least 2.5L of water a day. That number is significantly higher for those who are more active. By staying properly hydrated you will have more energy, put less strain on your body, and will keep your metabolism up and your hunger down.
5. Enjoy yourself: Don't forget to have fun! Students that are more socially active also tend to be more physically active and gain less weight. On the flip side, students that report higher stress levels also tend to gain more weight. Stay active, be sensible about your food (and drink) choices, and don't forget to get some sleep too!

---

I just have to say, I can't wait for football season!