Yes, eating clean and exercising regularly will make us healthier, but who has time for that? If you're the typical college student running on five hours of sleep, coffee, and instant ramen then this is for you. Skip the salad bar and don't feel bad about living in the library (and partying occasionally) with some effortless ways to improve your health. These five things will make you healthier without even trying.
1. Eat Breakfast
Sorry to break the bad news, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Research shows that breakfast eaters consume less calories throughout the day and weigh less than those who skip breakfast.
For healthy breakfast ideas, try oatmeal or Greek yogurt.
2. Double Up Your Dairy
Dairy sometimes gets a bad rap, but it’s loaded with calcium and protein. Both help in speeding up weight loss and may lower your risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the University of Tennessee found dairy dieters lost twice as much weight as their counterparts, so don't feel like you have to skip your morning latte.
3. Seafood
Studies have shown that people who include seafood in their diet typically weigh less than those who don't include fish in their diet. Seafood has many health benefits. It typically contains less calories than meat, healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help with fat-burn and increase metabolism, and can help curb your appetite.
Try these gluten-free salmon cakes.
4. Swap Salt for Spices
Not only can they help keep sickness at bay, spices may also act as appetite suppressants, metabolism boosters, and fat burners. Swapping salt for spices may also reduce water retention and bloating. A Canadian study found those who ate appetizers made with hot pepper consumed 189 fewer calories at their next meal.
Use this guide to spice up your next meal.
5. Choose Whole Grains
Whole grains help maintain blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, protect against cancers, and they keep hunger in check. A 12-year Harvard study found those who eat whole grains instead of refined grains not only weighed less but are healthier overall, so you can keep eating those carbs.
Upgrade your breakfast with whole wheat pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes or get trendy with a delicious grain bowl.
There you have it. Even when you're not sweating it out at the gym or counting calories, these little tips will keep you healthy and energized throughout the day. People often over complicate being healthy, but just a few simple changes can make a huge difference.