Staying Healthy In the ‘Real World’
Because mom’s home-cooked meals are hard to come by these days
By: Lindsay Laulis, NAU Social Intern
Resisting the temptation to eat poorly during late night study-sessions can be difficult, especially if it is your first year on campus. Healthy choices are hard, but with some quick tips and tricks it’s easy to make sure you stay healthy while in college!
Ordering Healthy On Campus
Campus dining works hard to provide healthy options for Lumberjacks on campus, such as Turnip The Greens in the Union, or The Green Scene Cafe on the second floor of the HLC!
Healthy on-the-go options at The Wedge can also help you stay healthy with your snacks between class too!
In addition to Turnip The Greens or the Green Scene, you can also make healthy choices in the“all you care to eat” spots on campus like The Dub or The Hot Spot. You can opt for the salad bar, make your own stir fry, or stick to the specialty section that offers Gluten Free options!
Remember to be careful with drinks like smoothies that can contain a lot of unneeded sugar. If you’re in the mood for a smoothie, make sure you are ordering something without added sugar like sorbet in it.
The more simple the ingredients — the better!
#LumberjackTip: Choosing infused water can be a great substitute for a sugary smoothie. Check out the hydration stations in the union to fill up and go!
Ordering Healthy Off Campus
Don’t let the fast-food world deter you — you can still go with your friends to quick, drive-through meals! Be mindful and order healthier options to stay on track.
Taco Bell: You can order any of your favorite foods (Taco, Burrito, Supreme) and request “fresco style.” Fresco style items are lighter in fat and calories. They also have a “Power Menu” full of cleaner salads and chicken options!
McDonald’s: A quick tip that can be used for all burger restaurants is to ask for the burger without the bun. Some places (In-n-out or The Habit) offer lettuces wraps as options to replace the bun. McDonald’s also carries healthier options like their “Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap” (21g of protein!) or the “Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad” with low fat dressing on the side.
No matter what your favorite fast food restaurant may be, there’s usually a healthier option to consider. Whether that mean you will have to switch things out, or try something entirely new, you can still go to these restaurant while on the run!
Work Out Grind!
Check out Campus Recreation Services for both indoor and outdoor options to make your workout tailored to where you feel most comfortable!
The Health and Learning Center is a full gym that has an indoor track, treadmills, weights and a variety of machines. From Pilates to lifting weights, the HLC has everything you need! It even has a rock wall, group fitness classes, and fitness classes you can take for credit! Plan ahead and build in work outs to your weekly schedule with their calendar of classes.
For outdoor options, head to the outdoor track and sports fields located on both North and South campus. Getting active can be playing soccer with your friends, running sprints, taking a jog around campus, or even joining an intramural team — whatever makes you excited to get your heart rate up!
Flagstaff is also known for all of its hiking trails and pathways! You can get off campus and discover a hiking trail that suits your needs and ability! Check out which trails are open and more information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/coconino/recreation/hiking/?recid=54884&actid=50
No matter what your schedule looks like you always have time to make healthy choices — all it takes is a little ingenuity and mindfullness and you’ll be living your best life keeping healthy and crushing those goals!
