Tag Archives: health

Eating Smart in NYC

As I sit deciding what I am in the mood to eat for lunch today, I consider the many food options New York has to offer. Of course, when living in the city, I am trying to eat smart for both my health… and my wallet. So what’s to be considered when “meal prepping” in Manhattan? Heres my two cents!
Whenever I am picking something to eat, I know I want it to be clean food, or as clean as possible. I never revert to fast food, although Big Macs are always tempting. What gives fast food appeal is usually how cheap it is. However, there are ways to keep a budget while eating clean.
Whenever I can I always purchase groceries. Cooking is always the cleaner option over any type of pick up food. Now of course, the groceries I purchase are not a week’s worth of frozen pizza; I try to buy healthy, perishable and frozen food so, no matter what I decide to make, it is fresh and a healthy option.
The times I decide to eat out, I opt for the healthy menu item/healthy add ons. Let’s say, for example, I decide to go to the deli and grab a sandwich. Rather than italian bread, I will put my sandwich on whole wheat toast or a wrap. Little changes in your eating can make big changes in the long run. There are so many places to eat in the city that finding a healthy alternative to “junk food” is very doable.
Lastly, I always am looking for a student discount. Many places offer a student discount, but may not have it advertised. Whenever I am eating somewhere, I ask to see if they offer a discount. Usually around a college campus area, small businesses may offer a discount.

These are just a few ways I try to keep healthy on a NYC budget. How do you go clean?
Until next time,
Annmarie X

Being FIT for the New Year:

As we all come back from the hibernation that is Winter Break, I’m sure we all have told ourselves “only one bite” of your aunt’s delicious chocolate cake or mom’s famous macaroni and cheese. If you’re like me, taking only “one” bite turns into ten.

Going into 2018, here are some tips I’m going to taking into consideration to start this year healthy!

  • Eat – No this is not a typo! Eat, and eat well this year. As much as people believe not eating will help you lose weight, it actually does the opposite. The key is to replace the “not so healthy” foods in your diet with healthier ones, not less food that your body needs!

  • Stay active – As the school semester begins, we all know sticking to an exercise routine gets harder and harder. Little workouts always count, break up an hour throughout your day of different cardio and strength exercises to keep those calories burning and sweat dripping.

  • Find a diet for you – If you’re one to diet, find the one that you and your body enjoy the most. Not every diet is meant for everyone, so don’t be pressured by peers to stick to one plan if it’s just not you!

Here’s to being healthy and happy in 2018! Let’s make this year a great one.

xx

Mariano

Midterm Aftermath: Ways to Prevent Sickness

Image result for prevent getting sick

With some of us still conquering midterms and some facing the repercussions of red-eyed late nights, it is important to put your health first and take care of yourself during such a stressful time. Our immune systems can slack off sometimes but it doesn’t mean you should too. Here are my tips:

 1.  Vitamin C 

This has been constantly drilled into our minds by our mothers and goes to show she knows best! A vitamin C tablet or two a day will definitely help keep the common cold away.

 2. Wash Your Hands 

Not just after you go to the bathroom, but EVERYWHERE — when you leave the library, store, classrooms, or pretty much anywhere public where you can bring in foreign bacteria into your body.

 3. Keep Stress Levels Down

Sounds like the impossible, right? No stress during finals week? Well if you get sick it’s going to be 10x more stressful; try to keep stress levels down by relaxing during study breaks, going to exercise in between errands and getting enough rest.

 4. Catch Some Z’s 

Sleep is so important in keeping your immune system at its best during this stressful week. No matter how much time you plan on spending on late night study hours, be sure to get a good amount of sleep so that you and your immune system can be at its best.

 5.  Quarantine

It seems that everyone gets the plague during finals week or any week that is extremely important and it spreads like wildfire, so try your best to stay away from the germs. Take hand sanitizer with you everywhere, stay and study in your room and only come out when its safe.

With just a few precautions and changes in routine, you can avoid getting sick this season. Good luck to everyone and their immune systems during this hectic month of exams!

MB

Tips for Staying FIT during the Holidays!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving! Food & family, what’s better than that right!? As we all are beginning to regret our holiday indulgences, just remember that winter break is among us! As the year comes to an end, I’m challenging myself to stay healthy during this holiday season! Here are a few tips I’m finding helpful and hopefully will inspire you to join me as well!

1. WAKE UP and GO! – Waking up a little bit earlier than usual to get a head start on the day can really help you out! Mornings are perfect for a calm and relaxing jog or walk to wake up your muscles. You get your workout in and have plenty of time for getting all the busy holiday stuff done during the day!

2. Use yourself, not the gym! – Gyms can be intimidating if you are not used to working out on a daily basis, but to stay healthy high-tech, state-of-the-art machines aren’t necessary! Use your own bodyweight to work yourself out. Push-ups, crunches, squats, and jumping jacks here and there is all you need (or even try lifting leftover cans of cranberry sauce and gravy ☻)

3. Don’t deprive yourself from holiday meals! – With all of the tasty treats on the holiday table, it’s hard not to give in! You should never deprive yourself from enjoying your favorite  holiday foods. Eat up, but limit yourself to one serving. Once you’re done, put the rest in a container and slide it in the fridge. You’ll be less likely to dig in for seconds when the food is already put away.

Until next time…

– Mariano

I’m a girl on the go.

With all the roles I play, it’s super important that I stay healthy no matter how aggressive my schedule gets.

How do I do it?

Smoothies!

A good smoothie is packed with nutrients, helps keep you hydrated, simple to make, and great for traveling.  With  the right ingredients, smoothies do the body good.  A good smoothie can contribute to a glowing complexion, more energy, and even muscle repair after a workout. I’m not talking about a banana and a few strawberries topped with tons of sugar blended up with milk and ice.  A good smoothie is a healthy elixir of dark leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and super foods like chia seeds, goji berries, flax seeds, cacao powder, wheat grass, avocados, and/or coconut oil that maximizes your beauty inside and out.  Each week, I’ll upload a new smoothie recipe.  We’ll call it The Smoothie Magic Chronicles.

Here’s our first potion:

Green and Glowing Smoothie

Recipe by Jim Perko, C.E.C., for the Cleveland Clinic Lifestyle 180 program

 

Ingredients

1 cup cleaned spinach leaves, firm packed

1 cup cleaned kale, rough chop, firm packed

1 cup green seedless grapes

1 Bartlett pear, core, stem and seeds removed

1 orange, peeled and quartered

1 banana, peeled

1 tsp chia seeds

1⁄2 cup water

2 cups ice

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender and process on a low speed for 15 seconds, increase to medium, then high until well blended. Going green never tasted so good.

Cheers,

Jaiah