Monday Motivation

Even the best of us need to have a cheat day and enjoy a burger. 

Monday Motivation

Get off the couch and enjoy every moment in life. 

Monday Motivation

Create the life and body you desire now, no need to wait to begin. 

Monday Motivation

Don't let your mind stop your progress. 

Who am I

Hi, I'm Lauren. 

College is time of discovery. It is a period of time dedicated to improving oneself through education, health, and lifestyle. This school year I've taken improving my health more seriously and have discovered that many others are on this journey. So...Embracing Change in College was born. 

College is a time of change. Classes change every semester, roommates changed by the semester or year, relationships with friends and family change, and each individual can change. Not all changes are good but they give each of us an opportunity to change our outlook on the situation or life. This school I've been improving my positive outlook when facing changes or challenges. 

The journey to be a healthier college student has not been a easy or quick change but I know that improving my health and setting healthy habits now will positively impact my future. I also know that I am not on this journey alone; I have a good support system and continue to find more. 

For each person who has helped, advice, and motivated me on my journey, I thank you and I hope that through this blog I can help others who are on their own fitness journey.

Thank you to all current readers and welcome to all new readers. 

Monday Motivation

Clear your mind of can't because you can. 

No Gym? No Problem!

What exercises to do at home to stay fit? 

The struggle of finding enough time in day is common for all, especially among college students. We are constantly choosing what to sacrifice in order to fulfill our priorities. A healthy lifestyle should not be sacrificed.

A healthy lifestyle is worth the challenge. Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't require an expensive athletic wardrobe, a personal trainer, or even a gym membership.  But how? Exercises at home!

Finding those quality exercises for home can be daunting and overwhelming. Below you will find some great videos and guides for working out at home with most no required equipment or weights.

• Julie Fagan, blogger on Peanut Butter Fingers, shares some of her favorite home workouts with no necessary equipment or weights.

• Indulgy provides printable and customization workouts for home and the gym.

• Deven Hopp, blogger on BYRDIE, shares 5 workout videos designed for home and to help motivate you.

• Workout Labs for women and men allow customization workouts that can easily by done at home.

• Natalie Borton, blogger for Glitter Guide, shares the top You Tube exercise channels for home workouts.

• Fitness Blender, my personal favorite and go-to videos, has over 100 free full length videos that are great for working out at home. 

For more ideas, guides, and videos check out my Pinterest. 

What exercises do YOU do at home? Comment Below!

Monday Motivation

The journey isn't easy but it is always worth it.

11 Snacks for School & Home

Life in college is crazy. The days are often spent trying to balance classes, studying, working, and catching up with friends. Finding time to be healthy in college also takes some balance and patience.

One great way to balance healthy eating with college is choosing healthy snacks. Snacking throughout the day is important to keep your metabolism running. But finding healthy snacks for school and home can be challenging.

Here are some of my snack recommendations:

Snacks for School: 

1. Hard Boiled Eggs
2. Almonds & Craisins
3. String Cheese & Grapes
4. Pumpkin Seeds
5. Unsalted, No-Butter Popcorn
6. Yogurt & Granola
7. Trail Mix
8. Dried Fruit
9. Apples
10. Turkey Jerky
11. Nuts 

Snacks for Home: 

1. Banana & Peanut Butter Bites
2. Celery with Peanut Butter
3. Cucumber & Humus
4. Oatmeal & Fruit
5. Rice cake with Peanut Butter
6. Baby Carrots & Low-Fat Ranch
7. Homemade Popsicle and Smoothies
8. Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites
9. Banana & Peanut Butter "Sushi"
10. Frozen Yogurt covered Fruit
11. Lunch meat & Cream Cheese Roll Ups

For more ideas and recipes check out my Pinterest.

What are YOUR favorite snacks? Comment Below!

Monday Motivation

Don't Quit. Be stronger than your excuses. 

Monday Motivation

You are getting better & stronger with every step. 

Monday Motivation

Don't quit on yourself or your goals. Progress is progress
no matter how small. 

Monday Motivation

Progress is a personal victory; be proud of yourself. 

Beauty Sleep

Sleep seems to be a mythical concept for college students. Students may fill their time with work, late night homework sessions, Netflix marathons, parties, or participating in school events.  There are number of things calling our attention and time; social life, good grades, our health and even sleep.

Googling "college sleeping tips" will pull up missions of  results from quotes, infographics, Pins, articles, and research. With all that information condemning all-nighters, midnight McDonald's runs, or running off coffee it can be a little discouraging. But don't fret, you are not alone. We are all struggling with getting enough sleep. Me included.

College is full of opportunities for learning no matter the situation. Learning to deal with roommates, group assignments, how to cook semi-healthy, how not to gain or lose the freshman fifteen, how to manage your time, and and learning to get enough sleep.

Here's college tested tips on bettering your sleep:

Tips on Sleep

CampusMindWorks recommends a couple of tips to sleep better.

• Put down all technology 30 minutes before bed. 
• No caffeine after 3 pm. 

Cosmopolitan gives advice on beautifying your body while you sleep.

• Moisturize your face and lips every night. 
• Change and wash your pillowcases often. 
• Go to bed with a clean face. 

Inc.edu suggests some ways to get better zzz's. 

• Keep a journal by your bed to write down midnight thoughts. 
• Set sleep into your priorities. 

Ultralinx points out simple changes that will better your sleep.

• Go to bed around the same time each night. 
• Use the bed only for sleep. 
• Keep the lights lowly lit in your bedroom. 

For more ideas, tips, and articles check out my Pinterest. 

Have any other sleeping tips? Comment Below! 

Simplify Your Body

The human body is a complex organism. We have 206 bones. It takes 17 muscles to smile compared to the 43 to frown. We have about 100 billion neurons in our brains. The largest organ in the human body is the skin. The human body is complicated and complex.

Becoming healthier shouldn't be.

Three weeks ago, we rang in a new year along with resolutions to accomplish. Common resolutions tend to be focused on becoming healthier, happier, or wealthier. New year resolutions trends show about 8% of individuals achieve their resolutions and 64% maintain their resolution for six months. Maybe it is time for me to join to the ranks.

My resolutions: Exercise 2-4x a week, Snack Healthier, and Be Happy.

My first week was great; I exercised three times, ate little to no sweets, and smile/laughed often. Then I went back to college and life got crazy. I discovered if I truly wanted to be healthier I needed pace myself and start simple.

Here's some tips to simplifying your exercising and eating habits:

Simple Exercise Habits

Recommit to yourself and to a better lifestyle with Katie McLaughlin's five tips:

1. Start Easy
2. Partner Up
3. Dress the Part
4. Try Something New
5. Reward Yourself for Showing Up

Create and follow a plan with Kimberly Grabinski 's monthly exercise plan for each skill type. Exercises include:

• Jumping Jack
• Crunches
• Push Ups
• Plank
• Squats
• Calf Raises
• Walking

For more ideas check out my Pinterest Board. 

Simple Food Habits

Find healthy alternatives than the cookies and chips with SkinnyMs.' clean eating snacks. Snacks include:

• Greek Yogurt
• Dried Fruit
• Peanut Butter
• *Homemade* Kale Chips
• Hummus
• *Homemade* Sweet Potatoes Fries

Re-hydrate and reap the many benefits with water:

1. Stronger Hair & Nails
2. Healthy Scalp
3. Weight Loss
4. Smooth Skin &* Clearer Acne
5. Bright, Clear Eyes. 

For more ideas, check out my Pinterest Board.

What are your resolutions? How are you accomplishing them? 

Comment below!!