By SAND member: Brittany Huston
Fall is here! Although swimsuit season is over, it is important to stay fit and healthy throughout the year. Not only will staying active have you feeling good, but it will also help you avoid getting sick and keep you focused in class throughout these dreadful midterms! Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean you have to stay inside to enjoy yourself with the changing of the season. |
A trip to Butterfield farms with your friends will be a fun way to get moving, either running through the corn mazes or walking around the see the animals. Did you know that walking a moderate pace can burn up to six calories per minute?
If animals aren’t your thing, I suggest heading to a local apple picking farm. Lucky for you, apples are in season and are great as an after class snack with almond butter—low fat and low calorie! There are many options for fruit farms in the surrounding Cincinnati suburbs. Burning calories and picking apples is a win-win. If you are looking for something a little closer, Hueston Woods State Park is only about ten minutes away! It offers many hiking trails, and even has a great view of the water and colorful nature.
If you are more of a gym-goer or prefer to walk or run around campus, don’t forget to stay warm! Many places offer great workout gear that can keep you warm outside and inside. If you are looking for a discount, head over to our local TJ Maxx next to Kroger for great deals on designer men and women’s workout fashions. If you’re in the mood to splurge on your gear, check out Lulu Lemon Athletica for men and women at http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp or Victoria’s Secret Sport at https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport.
Since we are talking fall and fitness, what could better top it off than in season fruits and veggies? We already mentioned apples, but if you love pumpkin, you are in luck. They aren’t just for carving and can have more nutrients than you think:
After carving the pumpkin, rinse and bake the seeds at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, stirring whenever possible. Top them off with your favorite low-cal seasoning and there you have a perfect, delicious snack! Want pumpkin for breakfast? Throw some pumpkin, almond milk, and pumpkin pie spices into a blender for a nutritious shake loaded with protein and lots of nutrients. Other yummy foods in season are artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cranberries, edamame, grapes, green beans, and kale! Mix up your meals with all of these in season fruits and vegetables; these cloudy days won’t be as gloomy with a little color on your plate!