Six tips for a healthier lifestyle in the new year

<p>Here are a few tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise and&nbsp;eating small nutritious snacks throughout the day.&nbsp;<i style="background-color: initial;">Samantha Brammer // DN File</i></p>

Here are a few tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise and eating small nutritious snacks throughout the day. Samantha Brammer // DN File

The winter season brings several holidays with delicious foods galore — but after the fun is done, the feeling of guilt for over-indulging tends to set in. Getting rid of that unwanted weight before Spring Break does not have to be hard, and accomplishing that New Year's Resolution is possible. Here are a few tips to help achieve your goals and create a healthier lifestyle. 

1. Snack

Rather than depriving yourself of food, have small, nutritious snacks throughout the day. By eating small amounts throughout the day, there is less of a risk of overeating. Eat things like granola bars, trail mixes,fruits and vegetables. 

You don’t need to cut out things from your diet completely — instead, eat those not-so-healthy favorites in moderation. The proper nutrition and working out go hand-in-hand. Benefits come when there is a healthy combination of both.

2. Take advantage of resources

Fad diets may sound intriguing, but they can be a waste of your money. Ball State has many opportunities to keep students moving and in shape. NetNutriton provides information regarding how many calories and other nutrients are in certain foods on campus. The Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers several fitness courses and a free facility for students to use.

3. Make time to work out

Working out may seem like a stress to add to your life, but it should instead be seen as a positive thing. Start with working out a few times a week, with sessions placed into your schedule like a class. 10 or 15 minutes of fast cardio is a good place to start. It gets you in the game and gets you going. If study and workout time conflict, combine them! Those neat stands on the machine aren’t just for your phone.

 4. Little lifestyle changes

You don't need to change your entire schedule to make room for lifestyle change. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk to class instead of taking the bus. Little changes to your everyday routine can make a bigger impact than you think. 

5. Stick to a plan

You won’t get to where you want to be if you only work out a couple days every few weeks. To ensure the desired success, create a plan and stick to it. Work out in the morning so you can dedicate time to friends and class, or work out just after your day finishes and before you settle in to binge watch your favorite Netflix show. You can even set up a goals and rewards system to motivate you. 

6. Drink water

The most important tip is to drink water. Your body needs it to survive. Sugary drinks slow you down and add wasted calories to your diet. Lack of proper hydration can also make you feel drained and tired. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that adult men drink 13 cups of water a day and adult women drink 9 cups. 

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