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1. A little breakfast perspective...
Breakfast is way more important than you think. Even if you have an 8 AM class and you don't have time to have a good breakfast, just grab a granola bar or a banana/apple and take it to class with you. I'm begging you, and you'll thank yourself. Studies most certainly have shown that people that skip breakfast lose less weight and even gain weight compared to those who skip out on the granola. I know there are those that say, "I'm too nauseous to even eat that early," however its recommended to eat at least an hour within waking up. Wait until you get to class, maybe you won't be so sick then. Well, it depends on the class. if it was Microbiology, I might hurl, too. 






"Catching up" on sleep may leave you behind...
It's college, there are some times where we either have to pull an all-nighter, or are out late with our friends and we magically remember we have an 8 AM class at 3 AM. After those nights, usually the next day is filled with  a deep slumber from 9 PM to 9AM. That twelve hours of sleep may sound wonderful, but most people feel groggy after sleeping that long. This is because it is more healthful for our bodies to have a set sleep schedule, than sleep longer nights. If you can get to bed by midnight during the week, that's great. Set an alarm for the earliest you wake up, and wake up at that time every day, but if you can sleep in sleep in after that alarm. Even if you just go to the bathroom at that time. Maintaining a regular sleep cycle keeps both your circadian rhythm and your under eye circles happy.




Keep your stuff clean, keep your body clean
College can be a breeding ground for germs, it's not secret. 50 girls or boys sharing one bathroom, not including guests of others can be a recipe for disaster. Think of how many people sat on that toilet seat before you? And you best hope those counters are cleaned thoroughly. Not to make you paranoid or anything! Unless it's too late, oops. Just remember to keep your area tidy, well swept and disinfected if you can. Sleep and eat your vegetables to keep your immune system strong. In a communal living space, you'll need a strong immune system. 

Coffee's great, but don't over-do it
I know, I'm sorry to break these news to you. As an avid coffee love, addict, junkie, or whatever you call it, I feel you. Coffee and tea are great to get your metabolism started and start off your day. However, don't rely on it. It's better for you body for you to stay in and work on that project then come back and do an all-nights, or trickle your work on it so you don't do it all at once all-nighter style. Then, you're depending on your caffeine to get you through. Coffee is trusty, but it's more of a mood booster for me now. If you're up to two large coffee's a day, maybe trade that other coffee for an extra hour of sleep.




Refresh your body, refresh your mind
We all find our inspiration in different ways, but when I go for a walk and smell the fresh air, I instantly get inspired by the outdoors. I know, that sounds as cliche as roses are red but it works! Binge-watching on Netflix is a great thing to do and one of my favorite pastimes, but in order to keep a healthy mind and body we need to get some fresh air. Also, I've found that having a MINIMUM of 15 minutes of alone time every day is very beneficial. If we're constantly around people, we start to almost turn into them. We don't want to be anyone else besides ourselves! As an only child I prefer doing things alone, and almost get bothered when people ask if I can come. I'm appalled when people beg people to go places with them. Take some alone time with the flowers and cute dogs that walk by. You might make a new furry friend while freeing your mind.

• 1. Go with a friend!

Using the buddy system is a good way to stay safe when traveling in an unknown place, however it's always a good way to keep up motivation to work out! Most gyms allow every person one guest for free or for a small charge. It's worth it! I've brought my best friend once and my boyfriend once. It's comparable to showing someone your new house; there's so much to explore!
It's also fun to show your friend your routine or secrets, or they can spill some to you as well. I run with friends often, too. Studies have shown that people that work out in pairs or groups tend to burn more calories. You're talking and bonding, and you forget that you're working out. Think of all the teamwork you can do, and you can motivate each other. If your friend is slacking off, just remind them of their potential beach bod.

• Double Whammy

Whenever you go to the gym or work out, split it up between cardio and lifting. Save one day a week for muscle strength - maybe do pilates!
A typical gym day for me goes:
15 minutes running on the treadmill at 6.5 - 5.5 at 1.0 incline. You could also walk at 4.5 at a high incline to work your large muscle groups in your legs and butt!
15 minutes either on the elliptical or bike (or 8 minutes on the stairmaster)
then 30 minutes of lifting.
If you're not into the cardio machines (trust me, I despise treadmills), here's some cardio alternatives!
- Step Cardio
- Mountain Climbers
- Burpees
- Burpee push-ups for an extra challenge
- Jumping jacks
- Sprints
rotate the work outs about for 30-45 seconds each for an amazing Tabata interval challenge. It gets you in shape fast!

• Know What You Wanna Work!

Before you start going to the gym or start any workout routine, take a good look at your body. Of course, we should all appreciate our bodies, flaws and all, but what do you want to tone? That's the mindset you should have. Don't think, "I have a flabby stomach," think, "I wish I had flatter abs."
So, if you want to perk up your behind, think how much you want to tone up your butt!
Here's some work outs that will hit every problem spot on your body:
Abs: Planks, Double crunches, Leg raises and toe touches, hollow rocks
Legs: lunges, squats
Butt: plie squats, squat jumps, squats

• Music Gives You Motivation

Music really does make everything better. If you have an arm band, you can easily put your iPod or iPhone in it and run, lift, and more freely. You can run to the beat of the music, or simply let the music motivate you. I never use my iPod when I run on the streets or on trails, so it's an extra treat to have when I'm on the dreaded treadmill. My gym has "Planet Fitness TV" that plays music and ads. Some gyms, including mine, have a place to charge your iPod and a headphone jack so you can listen to your iPod and charge it simultaneously, or listen to one of the TVs playing!

When it comes to working out - just find what fits you. You might not hit it on the head the first time. I learned that after games and games of being benched in basketball. However, that all changed the first time I crossed the finish line in a cross country race. You might like Pilates, Yoga, Spin, Tabata, or even Dance. Most gyms have classes and even bonuses such as tanning and massages. I personally don't tan, but that's because my fair Irish skin can't handle it. Whatever you need to get started and in a rhythm  Once you're in that rhythm  you don't wanna get out of it. It may be late June, but it's never too late to start getting ready for bikini season!


SIDE NOTE - I'm currently typing this in LAX and this is my first time in LA, everyone is SO stylish here! I've seen sneaker wedges styled countless ways and now I've decided to snag a pair for myself. I'll be doing my OOTW for my week in Hawaii. Keep on the lookout for more

Listen:
Dead Sea - The Lumineers
Young Volcanoes - Fall Out Boy
Obvious Bicycle - Vampire Weekend.

When most people think about getting active, they think it requires an expensive gym membership and equipment, or going out and playing a sport. However, all you really need is 10-20 minutes a day and your own body. Medicine balls, yoga mats, and weights are a nice plus, however to quote the one true principle of pilates, your body is your most important weight! If you’re in the mood to work out but don’t feel like facing the public, don’t sweat it! (Well, you will be sweating eventually.)

My room not only functions as my sleeping chambers and homework den, but a home gym as well! All you need is a TV/Computer (preferably a laptop) and your most important piece of equipment - your body! Here’s two ways to gym it up the Boo Radley way:

1. Blogilates: Youtube is a never ending beautiful black hole of helpful DIYs and tutorials. It’s almost made it possible to not have to actually buy anything or have professional training for anything. Like the amount of stars in our universe, I don’t think we will ever realize what an immense amount of DIY is available. My favorite star in that universe is Cassie Ho of Youtube.com/blogilates. She is a ceritified pilates instructor. Her channel is regularly updated with 10-15 minutes workouts of either Pilates, “HIIT” (cardio), HIITilates (A mixture of both), or specialized lower body, abs, or even prom body workouts, and even diet tips! The most you’ll need is a yoga mat and two hand weights, but that’s workout specific. I am obsessed with her and her workouts, she makes it easy to look great without a gym subscription - just a subscription to her channel. As she always says, “I’m gonna kill you, and you’re gonna love it!”

2. XFINITY On Demand: In the same respect, the Sports & Fitness Section’s “Fitness Workouts” of XFINITY On Demand is a black hole of DIY Workouts. However, the selection is much larger. You can choose from headings such as “10 minute Workouts”, “Abs”, “Cardio”, “Total Body,” and more. The workouts range from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you have. No matter what, there’s always time for a workout!

3.  Simple workouts that you can do in your room or anywhere: Whether you’re traveling or in the mood to try something out, you can simply google easy at home workouts and many come up. 

Here’s one from fitsugar.com:

That definitely sounds like I need to try it!

Weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise, so don’t forget about what you’re eating! Major diet changes aren’t necessary, but little changes can make a big difference. For example, switching your snacks from chips or candy to delicious greek yogurt or a pack of nuts will give you your protein for the day. Easy substitutions can be worked in to your daily diet without devastating you. Also, drinking a lot of water rids your body of toxins, keeps you hydrated and promotes overall health and weight loss.