Spring break diet is always a hot topic, and it's no wonder why. Spring break is always fun, but it can be hard on your body because you might be going out late every night, drinking alcohol, and eating food that isn't always the best for your health. You're in college now after all!
This is why it's important to make sure you are religiously following a few things during your spring break diet this year.
Tips To Follow For Spring Break Diet
1. Don't skip breakfast
The first thing to do is to stop skipping breakfast. It's easy to grab something on the go, but this will only leave your body hungry and tired later on in the day. Instead, try a healthier option like eggs, toast or oatmeal with fruit--these will give you energy that lasts throughout your day without leaving you feeling overly full.
2. Eat a big salad for lunch
A big salad for lunch is always a good idea. Salads are healthy, filling, and contain lots of vegetables. Green goddess salad is a great way to get in your daily dose of vitamins and minerals (and it has fun colors too!).
If you're not a fan of salads, try adding some protein like chicken or tuna for an extra kick! You can make any kind of salad, and there are literally hundreds out there--so experiment with different ingredients until you find something that suits your taste buds best!
3. Fuel up before you exercise
If you're planning to do a lot of physical activity, it's best to fuel up beforehand. Eating a small meal (or even just a snack) 1-2 hours before exercising can help keep your energy levels up and prevent fatigue during exercise.
Choose foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Carbohydrates provide the body with quick energy, which is exactly what you want before exercising so that you don't run out of steam halfway through your workout.
Foods such as bread, cereal, and pasta are good sources of carbohydrates. Try eating some toast with jam or peanut butter on it if you're feeling hungry before hitting the gym! Further, opt for protein instead of fat. Protein helps build muscle mass--a must for any athlete looking to improve performance
4. Make sure you get enough protein
Protein is an essential building block for muscles, and it helps you stay full for longer during your spring break diet. It also helps your body recover from workouts, so that you can keep up with your fitness routine during spring break.
Protein makes up about 20% of the body's total weight, but it's a little less than half of what people actually eat on average (the other 50% comes from carbohydrates).
Spring Break Diet: Foods to Avoid
- Processed Foods - Processed foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. They also tend to be low in essential nutrients. Avoid foods such as chips, cookies, and fast food.
- Sugary Drinks - Sugary drinks are high in calories and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Avoid sugary drinks such as soda, sweet tea, and energy drinks.
- Alcohol - Alcohol is often consumed in excess during spring break, which can lead to dehydration, poor decision making, and other health problems. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Fried Foods - Fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats and calories. They can also be hard on your digestive system. Avoid fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, and fried fish.
- Excess Salt - Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. Avoid foods that are high in sodium, such as processed meats, canned soups, and salty snacks.
The ultimate spring break diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and water. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, alcohol, fried foods, and excess salt. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your spring break while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.