Last Updated on June 26, 2024
I feel like making a few random lifestyle changes today so I’m going to make a commitment.
Going forward, I want to start drinking less Sprite and more water. This is a big one. I feel like I drink too much soda and even though I have a water bottle with me everywhere I go, I noticed I still choose to drink soda with my dinner and I want to stop doing that.
I feel like I eat too much meat. While my diet already consists of a lot of fruits and vegetables, I want to start eating even more. I’ve already started the transition! I had a spinach omelet with a bowl of fruit for dinner yesterday. At night, I had a mango, a kiwi, and some grapes as a snack. Then this morning I had a grapefruit and a carrot for breakfast. I can’t fully cut meat out of my diet, but I want to reduce my intake as much as possible! I managed to do it for the past 24 hours, so we’ll see how long this lasts!
Less junk food. I don’t like sweets too much but sometimes I can be pressured into having some by my family. Just because they are having cake, ice cream, panettone, and cannolis doesn’t mean I have to have them too, right? I never liked cake anyway. Or milk chocolate (only dark for me!) Or any of those sugary things. So giving this stuff up actually shouldn’t be too difficult.
I’m so scared for Rutgers. I don’t want to gain weight in college. My mom makes healthy cooking a priority and my body is so used to that. Something tells me the chefs over at Rutger’s dining halls don’t have the same priority. I guess my best bet is to educate myself on eating right, which my mom has already done to some extent, and then do my best to make good decisions when I’m on my own next fall.
Today, I’ve decided to make a few random lifestyle changes and commit to them wholeheartedly. These changes may seem small, but I believe they will have a significant impact on my overall health and well-being. Here’s what I’m committing to:
Drinking Less Sprite and More Water
This is a big one. I feel like I drink too much soda, particularly Sprite, and even though I have a water bottle with me everywhere I go, I noticed I still choose to drink soda with my dinner. I want to stop doing that.
Soda is filled with sugar and empty calories, and it’s not doing my body any favors. Water, on the other hand, is essential for hydration and has numerous health benefits. By drinking more water, I’ll not only stay better hydrated, but I’ll also reduce my sugar intake and improve my overall health.
To make this change easier, I’m going to set some specific goals for myself. First, I’ll aim to replace at least one soda per day with a glass of water. Gradually, I hope to eliminate soda from my diet entirely, reserving it only for special occasions.
Eating More Fruits and Vegetables
I feel like I eat too much meat. While my diet already consists of a lot of fruits and vegetables, I want to start eating even more. I’ve already started the transition!
- Yesterday’s Dinner: I had a spinach omelet with a bowl of fruit.
- Evening Snack: A mango, a kiwi, and some grapes.
- Today’s Breakfast: A grapefruit and a carrot.
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my meals not only adds variety to my diet but also ensures I get a wide range of nutrients. While I can’t fully cut meat out of my diet, I want to reduce my intake as much as possible. I’ve managed to do it for the past 24 hours, so we’ll see how long this lasts!
Cutting Down on Junk Food
I don’t like sweets too much, but sometimes I can be pressured into having some by my family. Just because they are having cake, ice cream, panettone, and cannolis doesn’t mean I have to have them too, right?
I never liked cake anyway. Or milk chocolate (only dark for me!). Or any of those sugary things. So giving this stuff up actually shouldn’t be too difficult. Less junk food means fewer empty calories and more room for healthier choices. I plan to focus on snacks that provide nutritional benefits, such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Preparing for College and Maintaining Healthy Habits
I’m so scared for my years at Rutgers. I don’t want to gain weight in college. My mom makes healthy cooking a priority, and my body is so used to that. Something tells me the chefs over at Rutgers’ dining halls don’t have the same priority.
Strategies for Staying Healthy at College
- Educate Myself on Eating Right: My mom has already taught me a lot about healthy eating, and I plan to continue learning. Understanding what my body needs and how to make healthy choices will be crucial.
- Make Smart Dining Hall Choices: I’ll focus on whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoiding fried foods and sugary desserts will be key.
- Portion Control: Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. I’ll be mindful of portion sizes and listen to my body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Stay Active: Incorporating regular physical activity into my routine will help maintain my weight and overall health. Whether it’s hitting the gym, joining a sports team, or simply walking around campus, staying active is essential.
- Hydration: Sticking to my goal of drinking more water will also help me stay full and avoid unnecessary snacking.
Embracing Change with Optimism
I know these changes might be challenging at first, but I’m optimistic about the benefits they’ll bring. Each small step towards a healthier lifestyle will add up over time, leading to better health, more energy, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
Support System and Accountability
Having a support system can make a huge difference in sticking to new habits. I’ll lean on my family and friends for encouragement and accountability. Sharing my goals with them will help keep me on track, and they might even join me in making healthier choices.
Reflecting on the Journey Ahead
Reflecting on these lifestyle changes, I realize that the journey towards better health is ongoing. It’s not about perfection but progress. There will be days when I might slip up and have a soda or indulge in some junk food, but that’s okay. What matters is getting back on track and continuing to strive for a healthier lifestyle.
A Final Thought: Commitment to Myself
Making these changes is a commitment to myself and my well-being. It’s about taking control of my health and making choices that will benefit me in the long run. I’m excited about this journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact these changes will have on my life.
As I prepare to embark on my 4-year adventure at Rutgers, I’m determined to carry these healthy habits with me. With a little planning, determination, and support, I’m confident that I can maintain a healthy lifestyle and make the most of my college experience.
Here’s to drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting down on junk food, and staying healthy at Rutgers! Wish me luck, and if you’re also making lifestyle changes, I’d love to hear about your journey and share tips and encouragement. Let’s do this together!
