My kids are both leaving for college and so are many others. Hopefully these past few months in quarantine have allowed them to eat healthier and exercise. I know many young adults were busy in the kitchen learning to cook for their families and themselves. As well, many young adults who couldn’t go to the gym or take their usual fitness class viewed online exercise programs to get fit.
In efforts to keep your kids healthy (yes, make sure they pack plenty of disposable face masks, hand sanitizer and wipes), encourage them to continue to eat healthy and exercise often. Being on their own is not permission to grab-and-go fast food or sit in their dorms snacking on chips.
Here are some essentials I am encouraging students to pack with them :
Resistance bands for exercise. You can buy easily on Amazon. Click here for the link. And click here for another link.
Water bottles. It’s so important to stay hydrated and most campuses are “green” and have water filling stations. A great water bottle makes it more enjoyable to drink. You can buy easily on Amazon. Click here for the link. And click here for another link.
Protein bars. I love a snack to lift me through the day and often kids on the go don’t have time to prepare a healthy snack the way they did when they were at home. These bars are easy and satisfying and among the healthiest. Click here for a link. I also love this bar for something that is a bit like a chocolate bar. Click here for the link.
Smoothies. Everyone was making a healthy smoothie during quarantine months. It’s easy to make and tastes great. In college, you need a blender, some protein powder and some fruit. Fruit may be easier to come by than you think- grab a banana or a cup of berries from the dining hall to bring back to your room. The Magic Bullet is really great and no mess (important for dorm life!) Click here for the link for the blender. While there are many protein powders on the market, I love Jay Robb’s powder. It comes in a variety of flavors. Click here for the link. You may want a blender bottle to keep the shake together once you have made it. Click here for the link.
Snacks. Everyone needs a snack during the day or late night study times. But just be aware that calories, no matter how healthy can add up. So snack mindfully. Want a crunch. Try these fun individual packs and click here for the link. Or in the mood for a cracker, try these and click here for the link. Also, click here for another type of cracker that is loaded with good for you seeds. Want a chocolate chip cookie, click here for the link. I love the combo of nuts and dried fruit when I need a bit of energy, so click here for the link. I love a bite of granola and these hit the spot so click here for the link. Need a chocolate fix? These candies are really “unreal”! Click here for the link.
There are many more ways to stay healthy during the college years. For more ideas contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com