Being a student can be tough. You have to balance classes, work, and a social life, all while trying to figure out how to live a healthy lifestyle. And somehow, you have to balance eating healthy and working out all as a college student. I’m going into my third semester of college, and I’m still trying to figure it out.
My first semester, I went to my local community college to save money. Long story short, I hated it and transferred to a four year state university. I’m loving it so far, and I am so glad I went with my gut. This is your sign to make that change you know will make you happy. Though I’m having fun, trying to balance living on my own as a college student and trying to live a healthy lifestyle is tough. I have a few tips that work for me, and I hope they do for you too.
Shop at discount grocery stores
Discount grocery stores usually buy the overstock of larger grocery stores and sell it at a cheaper price. This means the quality is the same but at a more affordable price (thanks inflation).I have a discount grocery store and it’s a LIFE SAVER. Produce is super cheap, and I’m able to stock up on healthy snacks without destroying my wallet. If you have one near you, take advantage of it.
Workout in between classes
I have a long break in between my classes, allowing me to get in a lift. Having a gym on campus is super convenient. Sometimes it can be crowded and annoying, but I’m already paying for it. I might as well take advantage of it. Working out in between classes resets my mind. It’s also a more efficient use of my time because I’m not going back and forth between campus and where I live. I’m also pretty tired and have no motivation after my classes, so working out in between is the best time for me.
Walk as much as you can
Walking is the most underrated form of exercise. It’s convenient, free, low-impact, and can be done anywhere. Have an extra ten minutes between classes? Walk as much as you possibly can. It won’t feel like a workout, but you’re still improving your heart health. One of my teachers used to tell us that “sitting is the new smoking,” and there’s definitely some truth to that. We sit way too much. A hundred years ago, people walked everywhere. They walked to school, to work, doing chores- you get the idea. Previous generations were a lot more active. We should bring that back. Plus, It feels so good to move after you’ve been sitting for a few hours. So, stretch your legs, get your blood flowing, and walk as much as you can.
Take advantage of online workout classes
I tend to lift by myself, but occasionally, I’ll do a workout class online. YouTube is a great resource if you can’t afford IRL classes or even an online membership. There are so many great instructors offering yoga, pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, and even spin classes all for free. My favorite workout instructors are Cat Meffan and Callie Jardine (who also has a wonderful podcast called Healthy But Human). Working out doesn’t need to be expensive. You don’t even have to leave the house. There are several classes that are low impact and dorm/apartment friendly. The great thing about online workout classes is that they save so much time. You’re cutting out all the time you would’ve spent walking or driving to the gym. No matter how much time you have, you’ll still be able to incorporate workouts with online classes, helping you live a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t eat out often
I understand that when you’re stressed and busy, cooking is the last thing you want to do. But, cooking your own meals is key to living a healthy lifestyle. Eating out is incredibly expensive. It’s also hard to know exactly what is being put in your food. Cooking your own meals is great because it’s a lot cheaper than eating out and you can choose what ingredients you use. I’m not saying to never eat out.
I’m all for balance. I do however think that sacrifices need to be made in order to live a healthy lifestyle. If you’re eating out five days a week, slowly cut it down to four days, then three, and then soon you’ll be eating out one to two times a month. If you’re unsure of what to cook, I have lots of great recipes. Pinterest is also a great resource, and you can filter it by your dietary preferences. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, you should start by cooking your own meals.
Eat a fruit or vegetable at every meal
I saw a lady on Instagram say that she never eats fruits or vegetables because they’re “bad for you.” There’s actually a lot of science to back up why you need to eat lots of fruits and veggies. Don’t fall for fake diet tips. Fruits and vegetables are incredibly nutritious. If your diet could use some cleaning up, start by adding a fruit or vegetable to each meal and snack. Instead of restricting yourself, see what a healthy lifestyle can add to your life. For example, I’ll have some avocado toast and an orange for breakfast, a banana and peanut butter as a snack, spinach and pasta for lunch, and some broccoli in a stir fry for dinner. Eating the rainbow makes you feel great and is important in order to live a healthy lifestyle. You’ll feel so much better when you incorporate all these wonderful foods into your diet.
Take care of your mental health
The stigma around mental health is slowly going away, but there’s still so much work to be done. For example, mental health days are still widely unacceptable, especially in school. Taking care of your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. You get one brain and it needs to be taken care of. Some ways to do this is through daily movement, journaling, and seeing a therapist. I was in therapy for several years and it was incredibly helpful. I’m currently looking for a therapist in my new town and am excited to get back into it. Taking care of my health is a huge component of living a healthy lifestyle while in college. Being a student is stressful. Take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.
School can make it tough to live a healthy lifestyle, but I promise it’s doable. Try out these steps. You can start slow. Little changes will amount to a changed lifestyle over time. Taking care of your health and living a healthy lifestyle is a necessity. You only get one body, so take care of it.
