Keeping Fit with a Student Lifestyle

Whether you are living at home, on campus or with friends; as a student you probably have a somewhat restricted budget (and a busy schedule between assignments and work). But that shouldn't get in the way of keeping healthy and feeling good. Don't let those $1 chocolate bar sales get the best of you! Below are some tips on staying fit and healthy whilst on a student budget and living a student lifestyle.

1. Browse around for the best gym for your budget and stay away from locked in contracts. You never know when you might need to pull out, and be forced to keep paying.

2. Look for cheap outdoor group training classes. They pop up on websites like Groupon and Living Social.

3. Use the outdoors as your own gym - it's free and full of fresh air!

4. Invest in kitchen appliances like a blender and juicer (if you're living at home, offer to go halves or to pay a portion with your parents).

5. Don't give in to cheap junk food, just because it's cheap! Invest in lots of good, healthy items like veges, fruit and wholemeal bread that you can freeze.

6. Take part in free sports at your university. It's a good way to get some fitness into your day and meet new people.

7. Keep an eye out on sales at sports shops so you can grab some gym clothes or workout equipment cheaper! Sign up to their mailing lists to be the first to know about sales.

8. Shop at outlets for cheaper gym clothing... no one has to know!

9. If you are going to meet friends at a cafe or bar, eat a healthy meal before hand so you're not forced to eat unhealthy food. If you need to eat there, pick the healthiest item on the menu, and don't be afraid to ask for alterations to the meal. When we socialise and eat at the same time, we don't realise how much we actually eat- so be careful.

10. The most important thing to remember is that as a student you need to make wise decisions. You might be victim to late nights finishing (hopefully not starting) assignments, so you need fuel for your body that will keep you going, not give you a hit of energy then drag you down. Stay away from energy drinks, soft drinks and sugar filled foods. Drink lots of water, herbal teas and healthy meals that will give you sustained energy to get through your assignments and lead you to a restful nights sleep.

Healthy Holiday Tips

In a few months time I will be off to the USA and will be without a gym for three weeks, and I'm already thinking about how I will be able to work in a bit go exercise whilst I'm over there. Another problem is that America isn't known for having the healthiest food in the world, quite the opposite actually, so avoiding all of that is a priority too. It is going to be Winter time when I'm there, which makes it a bit harder. So here are some tips for myself, and for everyone else, on how to not fall completely out of your healthy lifestyle when on holiday.

1. Do as much walking as possible
Walking tours, walk to short destinations, take the stairs instead of the hotel or shopping centre lifts, do as much walking as possible. Bonus: you will save money on public transport!

2. Utilise the hotel gym
You may not want to carry a pair of joggers on holiday, but chances are you will have a pair of closed in walking shoes that you will be able to use. I know I will be buying new nikes whilst in America, so I'll be using them. Don't spend your whole holiday in the gym, but if you're an early riser or late sleeper, this could be a good option for you.

3. Cycle your way around
So many major cities have free or really cheap bikes to hire that you can take around the city. It's a fun, affordable and active way to see the city, and is quicker than walking if you are short on time.

4. Water sports
Surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, swimming, kayaking... whatever is available to you! It won't be super hot in Hawaii, but I know I will be doing some of these!

5. Stock up on healthy snacks for the hotel room
Not only is the minibar way over priced, $5 for a bottle of water? The majority of it is very unhealthy. Stock up on healthier snacks such as nuts and fruits, and buy your own bottled water. You can even ask the hotel to empty the minibar before you arrive, so there is no temptation at all.

6. Carry water with you
Carry a bottle of water with you so you can keep hydrated during the day, and it can stop you from thinking you're hungry and stopping for unhealthy snacks.

7. Order smart
Try and stick to healthy meals at restaurants, you know what to do!

What are your tips on staying healthy during a holiday? It's a lot easier when it's a Summer vacation, just be careful with those cocktails!

Yum Vege and Fruit Juices

So with my vege juices, I will usually just do a random combination of any fruit and vegetables that I have in the kitchen, and they usually all taste pretty good! They might be an acquired taste for some, and if that someone is you, think about this... one fresh juice can be some or all of your daily intake of five vegetables, and you get even more nutrients than just eating them, because you can juice with the skin and all!

1. Carrot, Ginger and Celery

2. Carrot, Celery, Kale, Apple

3. Cucumber, Kale, Carrot, Apple

4. Apple and Orange (peel the oranges, otherwise it will taste really sour and not nice at all)

5. Watermelon and Ginger

6. Beetroot, Kale, Carrot, Celery

I have a fresh juice every morning, and sometimes during the day or evening too. I'm not a fan of eating vegetables on their own, but I looveee my vege juices.

:)

Yummy and Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Below are just some of the smoothie recipes that I have on high rotation at the moment. Tasty, healthy and really simple to make! FYI, I don't measure any of the ingredients, so just go by what you think you will like the best/what fits your blender best! I also use soy milk because normal milk doesn't mix well with me, so use whatever suits you. Enjoy.

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

1 Banana

1 Tablespoon Crunchy Peanut Butter (the healthy one)

Soy Milk

A squeeze of honey

A dash of cinnamon (optional, if you like the taste)

Raspberry Banana Smoothie
1 Banana
A couple of handful of raspberries
Soy Milk
A squeeze of honey

Berrylicious Smoothie
Handful of raspberries
Handful of blueberries
Handful of strawberries
Soy milk
A squeeze of honey

More of my favourite fruits will be coming out soon because it's nearly Summer, so my smoothies will be even more tastier and creative. In terms of veges, I juice them, not blend them. My favourite vege juices will be in another post!