How to Get in Shape for Spring Break
Methods for Losing Weight in Time for Student Vacations
With Spring Break rapidly approaching, many students are in a frenzy to lose that extra winter weight before going away. Here are some simple tips to follow:
Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently
Although eating three meals a day is adequate, there is a higher tendency to snack in between. By eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, a person is less likely to head for the munchie bin in search of a snack. Individuals will reap a number of benefits by eating more meals frequently because they'll be less likely to overeat at one of their 3 main meals, and can pace themselves better by not feeling hungry all the time.
In addition, many people that eat approximately 5 smaller meals a day (about every 2-3 hours) will feel more energized than people eating 3 main, heavy meals. According to various studies, the smaller, more frequent meals will consistently add to the body's metabolism, keeping it going and burning more calories constantly.
Keep a Food Journal
Keeping track of what kind of food a person eats and how much of it, can help in countless ways. It's the perfect resource in terms of food management. Sometimes people just aren’t aware of how much food they’re consuming. Writing it down and being able to look at it at the end of the day can help one evaluate when and where they’re slipping up. Maybe they’re snacking too much before dinner time or doing too much late night eating. It helps people stay on track and get into a good routine.
Eat Healthier
This seems like one of the more obvious ways to get in shape, but tends to be one of those easier said than done type of situations. It is possible to ease into the transition of eating better snacks. Rather than devouring a bag of Lay's Potato Chips, try Nature’s Promise Veggie Sticks. They’re Stop & Shop’s brand of organic foods. There are many other ways to eat healthy – fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt, 100 Calories Packs, whole-wheat pasta, etc.
Most importantly though, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, preferably 8 glasses a day! Some people don’t enjoy drinking plain water, so try putting lemon in it when going out to eat, or even buying the drink packets for individual water bottles. Crystal Light, Propel, and Capri Sun are just a few examples that sell these packets that can be purchased in grocery stores and a number of discount stores. Also, watch out for soda and alcohol as they seem to be many people's downfall when it comes to beverages.
Working Out and Finding Different Ways to Exercise
Working out and going to the gym isn’t always everyone’s favorite thing to do, but getting the right amount of exercise is important to maintain a healthy balance. Try going at least several times a week - or go during lunch for a quick work out. There are also little things to make going to the gym more fun. Bringing a friend along, or making a “work out playlist” on an iPod can drive some more determination to get there.
Finding alternative ways to exercise is one the easiest ways to get a little more of a work out in just by going about a day-to-day schedule. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or if you are in school, take the longer route to class, instead.
For people who live close to work and/or school, think about riding a bike in nicer weather, as opposed to driving a car. This principle of finding alternative forms of exercise can be applied to a number of other things. We all like to get parking spots up close to our favorite stores, but think about parking farther away to get those few feet of extra walking.
Anything from managing a daily food journal to working out several times a week can help students that are going away for Spring Break to get in shape before jetting off on a sunny getaway.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
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