First-year college students, often on their own for the first time, may enjoy the sweet taste of freedom that comes with being away from home.
Unfortunately that lick of freedom rarely comes in a healthy dose. In fact, it is often jam-packed with Domino’s deliveries, cheap beer and endless study snacks.
It’s not a secret that college students often fall prey to an unhealthy lifestyle while trying to juggle academics and a social life. But fear not. Healthy habits are within reach for the average college student, despite a fast-paced schedule. A new school year is the perfect time to set your goals high.
Alcohol
Students may be surprised to find that their drink of choice tacks on hundreds of extra calories to their daily caloric intake. But there are alcoholic beverages that make for healthier options.
- Light beers and ales – (12 ounces) 103 calories
- Bacardi and Coke – (6 1/2 ounces) 156 calories
- Rum and Diet Coke – 98 calories
- Vodka and soda – 200 calories
- Gin and tonic – 143 calories
- Manhattan – 130 calories
Coffee
Starbucks Coffee, conveniently located right next to campus, can also be an unhealthy pitfall for many sleep-deprived students looking for a quick caffeine fix. While many are satisfied with the extra boost of caffeine, they may not be so happy with the amount of fat they are consuming.
- Caramel Frappuccino (24 ounces) with whipped cream – 500 calories, 16 grams of fat
- Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha (24 ounces) with whipped cream – 660
calories, 22 grams of fat - Vanilla Latte (20 ounces) with whipped cream – 320 calories, 8 grams of fat
- Skinny Latte (20 ounces) without whipped cream – 170 calories, 0 grams of fat
- Caramel Frappuccino Light (24 ounces) without whipped cream – 220 calories, 1.5 grams of fat
- Tazo Tea (20 ounces) – 0 calories, 0 grams of fat
Lunch at the EMU
If you are heading to the EMU to grab a bite to eat between classes, consider the healthy options that are available there.
Subway
- 6-inch turkey breast – 280 calories 3.5 grams of fat
- 6-inch roast beef – 310 calories 4.5 grams of fat
- Foot-long veggie delight – 460 calories 5 grams of fat
Panda Express
Look for “Wok Smart” meals, identified by a green symbol next to the menu item. Wok Smart meals contain fewer than 250 calories per serving and are packed with nutritious veggies.
Wok Smart options include broccoli beef, mushroom chicken, black pepper chicken, mixed veggies, string bean chicken breast, egg flower soup and Kung Pao shrimp.
Burning calories indoors
If you are looking to enhance your physical fitness this academic year, it is time to look to your campus resources. The University’s Student Recreation Center offers diverse workout options to suit your interests, including a swimming pool, indoor running track, rock climbing wall, basketball, tennis and racquetball courts, and fitness machines.
However, if you need a little extra motivation to hit the rec center consistently, look into the wide variety of exercise classes offered Monday through Friday. Workout classes include circuit training, fitness yoga, group cycling and total body conditioning. Each class is 50 minutes long and students can buy a punch card and drop in on any class they choose. University students pay $5 for one class, $20 for five classes, $30 dollars for 10 classes, $40 for 20 classes and $50 for unlimited classes.
If you don’t fancy group fitness, the rec center also offers personal training sessions at discounted rates for students.
- 120 minutes costs $50
- 90 minutes costs $40
- 60 minutes costs $30
Burning calories outdoors
If breaking a sweat indoors doesn’t sound appealing to you, then the University Outdoor Program may be for you. With activities ranging from hiking to rock climbing to snowboarding, there is an activity for anyone interested in being active outside.
Upcoming events include a rafting trip on the McKenzie River and Spencer’s Butte Bike and Hike. The cost for each trip varies depends on the event, however, the only costs are actual shared expenses for the trip such as gas, food, equipment and rental. If you are interested in other trips or activities, the University Outdoor Program encourages participants to initiate their own trips.
Finally, if elaborate outdoor ventures or the rec center don’t suit you, walking to campus can keep you refreshed. Walking briskly at a three miles per hour for 20 minutes will burn a whopping 99 calories.
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