19 Ways To Be Healthy At TCNJ
Not feeling the gym but feeling the freshmen 15, even when you’re not a freshman? Luckily, there are plenty of tips so you don’t tip the scale while you’re at TCNJ. Keep reading for 10 ways to be healthy at TCNJ!
This is a collaborative piece by: Justine Wilson and Cassandra Kriegel
1. Sign up for a TCNJ group fitness class.
Everyday classes are held for a flat one time fee of $25- there’s kickboxing, Zumba, barre, yoga and intense workout classes! Definitely a better alternative to hitting the gym 24/7.
2. Try using an app to guide you.
Too lazy to leave the dorm? Work out with PrettyFit, Sworkit, Fitbit, charitymiles, or even Youtube!
3. Take advantage of healthy food options at Eick.
Ask for egg whites at the omelet station, request only two scoops of pasta at the veggie loop instead of three, or ask for extra veggies on your burrito!
4. Running hacks.
Run the loop, run on the field, or on the track are easy ways to run if the treadmill isn’t doing it for ya!
5. Give meditation a try!
Mental health is super underrated and yet accounts for a vast majority of physical ailments. Through lead meditation in the meditation center or personal meditations (or using apps like mindspace!) it’s easy to clear your head so the stress doesn’t take a toll on your body as well.
6. Choose your environment well.
Your environment should serve your purpose. For example, if you are studying, the lounge may be better than a bowling alley.
7. Watch the coffee later in the day.
Caffeine can throw off your circadian rhythm by 100 minutes- which means your body will want to wake up 100 minutes later than usual. So keep the caffeine to a minimum near bedtime.
8. Stretch often and consider yoga.
Have you ever been sitting all day only for your muscles to start aching? It’s because holding a single pose, even passively, is a toll on muscles. Tell your body you love it by stretching every now and then!
9. Cut the carbs!
Carbohydrates are essential to your diet, but only about a quarter should be carbs. Believe it or not, but bread is not necessary!
10. Don’t eat too late!
Try and avoid late-night dining! Your body needs time to process your food, so make sure you aren’t sleeping on a full stomach! If you’re super hungry, try running to T-Dubs for a piece of fruit, rather than a cupcake!
11. Get your greens on!
Make sure you get those veggies into your diet! Having a salad from Eick’s salad bar before your lunch or dinner is a great way to make sure you get your fill of greens!
12. Drink TONS of water!
Stay hydrated, peeps! Make sure you always carry around a water bottle and you can even refill it at Eick or any other building at a water fountain!
13. Try not to over eat!
Don’t make yourself full too quickly! The beauty of having a meal plan at TCNJ is having unlimited swipes! So only eat until you’re satisfied! You can always come back later!
14. Healthy snacks at the Lib Café!
Speaking of healthy snacks, the Lib Café is the perfect place to grab a cute and nutritious snack for sitting down and studying or taking it to class! From pretzels and humus to cups of fruit, the Lib Café has something for everyone!
15. Take fruit out of Eick!
My number one trick is ALWAYS grabbing a piece of fruit whenever I leave Eick. Whether it’s an apple, banana, or orange I always eat it because I have it! Avoid grabbing a bag of chips and try a piece of fruit, instead!
16. Have a routine!
Make sure you’re always filling your body with nutritional foods at the right times! 3 meals a day is key, and is especially easy to do with TCNJ’s meal plan of unlimited swipes!
17. Incorporate protein into your meals.
Protein is your new best friend! Make sure to include chicken, fish, and even eggs into your everyday diet. It keeps you fuller and much more energized for your crazy day ahead!
18. Get outta there.
Whatever you do, do not stay in Eick longer than you have to! After eating a meal with your friends, I know it’s fun to stick around and chat with one another. But, the longer you stay the more tempted you’ll be to eat, so get outta there!
19. Don’t drink your calories!
My final tip is to make sure your calories count! Don’t waste them on soda and coffee. It’s a nice treat once and a while, but make sure your body is getting its fill of water!
What are some other ways to be healthy at TCNJ? Feel free to comment below and share the article!
Featured photo source: favim.com and pinterest.com
