Eating Healthy in College Tips

Top 10 Tips to Help the Busy Student stay Healthy

Learning when, how, and what to eat in college is a determining factor in whether you will gain the freshman 15 or NOT! For me, I did not see 15 pounds added to my weight during freshman year although I chose to eat out on a regular basis (thank God for good metabolism). So, after my freshman year I began to work out, moved off campus, and started cooking on my own. For this blog, I have listed the top 10 tips to help you stay active and maintain your weight while in college. It is important that we take care of our bodies. We only have one body on this side of heaven. The Bible reminds us in 1 Cor. 6:19 that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. This means in what we put in our bodies as well. Be wise in your choices.

 

1. Keep snacks handy. College is the perfect time to stop by the closest fast food restaraunts and buy a lot of junk food. One suggestion would be to go by Sams club and stock up on healthy snacks (granola bars, trail mix, fruits, vegetables, etc.). By having a limitless supply of these items in your dorm/apartment, you will be less tempted to stop by McDonalds on your way back to campus. For me, apples and oranges are my favorite fruits. I can buy them in bulk and eat more than one a day.

2. Get creative. Being able to eat healthy will force you to get creative. Choosing between a double cheeseburger with fries or some baked chicken and green beans may be daunting at first. Not having your mom's home cooked Sunday dinners can also be depressing. Do not let the convenience of college cafeterias cause you to make poor choices. Get creative with your meal. Make sure that you are eating enough protein, starch, and vegetables per meal. This will show in the long run and during classes. The more important meal is breakfast. Make sure that you are getting a nutritious breakfast DAILY. Some schools require students to have a meal plan. If you are in this situation, choose wisely. Choose mashed potatoes instead of french fries, choose grilled chicken over the fried chicken breast, choose fruits over a slice of cake. 

3. Join a fitness class. Most schools offer fitness classes in the afternoon and evening for college students. Check with your gym to find out what classes are offered. Classes such as kickboxing, yoga, and pilates are all great in keeping you fit. It is not enough to eat the proper food and not work out. You need both to be successful. Find a routine that works for your schedule and your body. 

4. Don't do "over food" meetings. Many meetings and socials take place over food. Be sure that you are not only attending events for food. It is common to have a lunch date with a friend but not helpful. Eating out may increase your waist and decrease your wallet. Eating out can get expensive and is not always the healthiest option. Instead of meeting for lunch over food, opt to meet at the gym on the treadmill or eleptical. This not only allows you to have a good conversation but also hold one another accountable. 

5. Get plenty of rest. Yes, the research is true-the correct amount of sleep on a regular decreases your chances for obesity. Pulling all nighters to cram that last study session in or write your senior seminar paper is not wise. Research shows that 6-8 hours of sleep is need to help with weight and ability to perform well. Choose wisely.Watch your time management and how you choose to spend your time. Instead of taking 5 naps a day, use that time to study or get a head start on the paper that is due tomorrow. 

6. Get a trainer. Find out what benefits your school offers for staying healthy. Some schools offer personal trainers. This person can be helpful in making sure that you are eating the right types of food and exercising regularly. Who would not want someone who can help them stay healthy? Check it out. 

7. Pinterest. If you are in a situation where you do not know how to cook, have a meal plan, and live in a dorm, check PINTEREST! Pinterest has SO many great ideas for quick meals that are inexpensive and healthy options. All of these can benefit you as you prepare to attend college or continue your last years. Do not give up or opt for only sweets and foods rich in fats. I have included one of my board from Pinterest on healthy food options in college. http://www.pinterest.com/hortonjc/healthy-eating-in-college/ 

8. Limit your sugar intake. Sugar provides calories but nothing nutritious. Limit your intake of sugar to limit your cavities and tooth decay. Use sweetener to sweeten tea, water, etc. 

9. Drink A LOT of water. Your body needs at least eight glasses of water a day. Remember to carry a water bottle with you to class daily. This will remind you to drink your water consistently. Feel free to get some cute monogrammed bottles to encourage your water intake. 

10. Enjoy your food. While there are many stipulations on how bad a lot of food is for your body, choose wisely. No, you may not cut out fast food 100% or fried foods but eat is sparingly. One thing that I like to go by is eating fried and sweets once a week. When I get a sweet craving, I grab a fruit. This cures my sweet tooth while being helpful to my body. 

Smile Through the Test

I have come to realize that the closer you get to God and strive to please Him, the enemy is also trying to distract your focus. The year of 2014 is significant for salvation and deliverance. Wow! How awesome is it to know that God is preparing to show Himself strong in this world and the lives of His people. We are reminded in John 16:33 that "in Him we have peace. In the world we will have tribulation. But take heart; He has overcome the world.”

This blog today is for me. For the first 40 days of 2014, my church is taking communion in our homes. The communion is to decree salvation, deliverance, healing, blessings, and prosperity over our homes. On Monday during teen Bible study, we studied "The Mind Series." This series focuses on not giving up in your mind. The mind is the first area of our lives that we give up. Our mind affects the way we talk, walk, and live. By having a focused mind, we can win every battle. On Tuesday, my car started acting up AND a water pipe at my home burst. These trials should have shaken my faith and caused me to doubt what I learned the night before. But, I took another route. I stood firm on the promises of God and confessed that, "He will never leave me nor forsake me. Everything is working out for my good. No weapon formed against me shall prosper." As I continued to say these, words my mind was taken off the problems and situations and put on Christ. Our private worship will make for a public performance. Whatever I spend my time thinking about will come out of my mouth at the due time.

Through every trial that I have endured this week, I have been standing on James 1:2-8 that states, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. "

Despite my situation and the various events going on in my life, it is important that I count it ALL joy. Not only the good but the bad as well. God is watching my heart and faith to see how much do I TRULY trust Him. It's not enough to go to church every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday to not truly believe in the word of God. The word of God brings forth life, peace, blessings, and prosperity. God knows everything that would happen in my life. So, as 1 Peter 4:12 tells me: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. It is not a suprise to me that these things would happen. God is developing my faith and patience through EVERY trial and test.

Today, I want to encourage anyone who may be reading this blog. Trials and tests are going to come your way. You may be going through a trial today or yesterday. Do not give up in your mind. Do not quit. God is working everything out for your good. Don't let the enemy sneak in and get you off track. Trust God no matter what happens. Lean and depend on the One who is able to save your soul and make you whole. Be encouraged and blessed that nothing shall by any means hurt you. If it has came your way, it is coming TO PASS. It must make it's way to your life in order to pass. Stay in the word of God and stay committed to doing His work NO MATTER what comes your way. I love you and I want you to live a prosperous life.


STOP STRESSING! START LIVING!

Love,

Jasmine Horton

Dressed and Ready for Success

Dressed and ready for success! School is almost over and your future is getting closer and closer. There are two things that you should be preparing for as a soon-to-be graduate. Working on a resume and practicing your interview skills are very important at this time. As an undergraduate, check with your Career center to schedule an appointment to practice your interview skills and review your resume. Most colleges offer these services free of charge.

As I prepared to graduate and began looking for a teaching job, I became very discouraged. I was interviewed on a regular, principals would call me to come in for interviews, and I was sending out my resume to various schools and districts. After sending my resume to a few mentors, I realized that my three page resume was entirely too long. Having to decide what to include and delete from your resume can be very hard when you have been highly involved on campus and in the community. I have decided to list some of my top tips for resume building and interview skills. I hope that these are helpful.

Resume Tips 

**If you are interested in seeing my resume, send me an email. 

#1- Your resume should be NO LONGER than one page. Yes, it may be hard to delete some items off your resume but you can do it. Focus on the things that are most beneficial to the position that you are applying to. If it has not happened within the last 3-4 years, remove it. Employers are interested in more recent volunteer and employment.

#2- Make sure that your resume is clear is easy to follow. As I have reviewed many of my friends resumes, I notice that the resume has too many words. Try to eliminate as much as possible. Check with someone who is proficient in English that can help you decrease your word count. Also, make sure that your resume is easy to follow with bold headings and smaller wording.

#3- Include accurate contact information for your references.There is nothing worst than trying to get a job and the employer is unable to get in contact with your references. The lag time between them contacting you for the correct information can be the position on the line.

#4- Review some resume templates online and Microsoft Word. You can find some great templates online that you can recreate to help in your resume building skills.

#5- Be sure that the information included in your resume pertains to the specific job. Yes, employers like to see diversity but you volunteering at a farm is not helpful to a office job. Be selective in what you choose to include.

Job Interview Tips 

#1- Be confident. When you walk in the business, smile and greet everyone that you come in contact with. More than likely you do not know what the boss looks like and you may run in to them on your way in. Walking in with a frown and looking down may not be the best idea.

#2- Dress for Interview Success. It is okay to wear jeans and a t shirt to the grocery store or mall but not an interview. Be mindful of how fitting your clothing is, how high your heels are, and your jewelry. The first impression is the best impression. Dressing too flashy or "sexy" could hinder your opportunity to gain employment.

#3- RESEARCH the company that you are applying for a position. There is NOTHING worst than being asked what the business does and you are unaware. Be sure that you know the mission, vision, and purpose of the company. If you can find out more information, do so. They will be pleased with how much you know and how excited you are about being a new employee.

#4- Posture is EVERYTHING. When sitting down, be sure that your back is straight and you are using correct eye contact. Watch what you do with your hands while you speak as well.

#4- Say THANK YOU! Sending an email or thank you card can go a long way. Don't get too high-minded.

#5- Just because you have worked or volunteered before does NOT mean you will be hired. I had this very thing happen on multiple occasions. When you are not hired, still thank them for his or her time and smile. It is okay. What is for you is for you. Don't get discouraged it will all happen in His timing and not yours.

#6- Know WHO you are in Christ. There is nothing more encouraging than knowing who you serve and that He can move on the employers heart. He knows the desires of your heart and what you need. Sometimes the jobs that we "want" are not the jobs that we "need.' Be confident and unshakable. It is going to work out!


I pray that this has blessed someone. Stay tuned for other tips and blogs. If you have any suggestions or a topic you would like to see, let me know.

Love,

Jasmine

You meant to tell me WHAT???!!!

So, your going to college right? Consider yourself blessed and get prepared for an exciting and transformation in your life. Make sure that you remember to enjoy every moment and get the most out of your experience.


#1- Take it seriously. Your and/or your parents have invested too much money in to college for you to go and goof off. Don't only attend college to attend the parties and meet the guys/girls. Study, pass your classes, and make your time worthwhile.

#2- Friends and relationships are important. College is a great place to meet new friends and create romantic bonds. A college campus is an awesome opportunity to create friends that can last a lifetime. Don't take your friends, rommmates, suite mates, etc. for granted. Get to know people because you never know when you may need one another. Good friends helps you find a job once you graduate.

#3- Meet your Professors. Schedule time to talk with your professors during office hours. Professors are humans too. Many professors love to see students who take the iniative to set up an appointment and come ask questions. A teacher is more helpful at the end of the semester to a student who has made time to come and see them than someone who continues to barely pass and wants an A. Also, if you treat your professors right, some are willing to write letters of recommendations for jobs and or Graduate school.

#4- Get experience. It is important as a student that you complete volunteer work. In this competitive 21st century, employers like to see that you have experience. No, you do not always have to get paid to complete a job. Find an internship, volunteer at a local organization, work on campus. All of these opportunities will help as you begin job searching.

#5- Don't forget about your family. During my freshman year of college, I went home twice a month. For some people, not seeing or speaking with family makes them homesick. Don't get so caught up in school that you begin to neglect your family. They are the ones who have your back and want the best for you. Make time to go home and visit family or at least talk to them on the phone on a consistent basis. Just because you went away doesn't mean your family forgot about you; don't forget about them! After college, friends may leave but your family will remain.

#5- Take classes outside your major. Taking classes that are not particularly in your major makes you more marketable. So, you have decided what you want to study? Great! Taking classes outside of your major allows you to see what other areas that you may be interested in studying. You will be glad that you did at a later time.

#6- Use free tutoring services. There are many students on campus who have completed classes with an A or B and are willing to help. Don't be too highminded that no one is able to assist you. You will make your life a lot easier by going to see a tutor. Learn now how to ask for help when you need it, it is a great life skill.

#7- Don't discriminate. Make friends with all types of people. Have students who are studying abroad? Be sure to find out about their culture and background. You may be interested in studying abroad or teaching in another country What better people to ask for help than those who are from that country? Don't cancel someone out because they do not look, talk, speak, or act like you. We are all uniquely and wonderfully made. God created each of us different so that we would grow to understand one another.

#8- Watch what you are eating. The freshman 15 is real. If you are not careful what you eat, you will gain weight. Pay attention to the time of day and what you are consuming. If you have a meal plan, use it. Going to the local Wendys, McDonalds, and Zaxby's will not be good around November or December. The eating habits that you create now will last after college as well. Make fruits and vegetables a part of every meal.

#9- Volunteer. Yes, your hours of volunteer service can assist in getting scholarships, awards, and employment. Employers like to see students who have not only excelled in the classroom but in the community as well. Make time to volunteer with one of your favorite organizations or community events. This will benefit you in the long run.

#10- Laugh. Remember to not lose your sense of humor in college. It is important to keep a joyful spirit and not be discouraged or distracted by the cares of this world. If you only go by what you see, you will be stressed out. You must believe in the invisible and trust in the true and living God that all things will work together for your good.

Preparing for College

Hello everyone!!! As I prepared for college as a first generation college-student, I found it difficult to first believe I was going to college and second know what to bring. So, I have included a list of items that I brought to college and how they were useful. I have also added in some questions that you will need to know the answers to prior to moving to college. 

1. Covers
2. Food
3. Clothing organization (under bed or in closet) 
4. Shower caddy
5. Storage bins to store extra clothing 
6. Unlimited supply of school supplies
7. Mattress cover 
8. Laptop
9. Toiletries
10. Cash 

10 Organization tips To Succeed In College

How do I become a successful college student??!!

1. Go to class

2. Pay attention

3. Take notes

4. Get your sleep

5. Organize a study plan that works for you! Your roommates study plan may not be your study plan.

6. Create a checklist of items to study.

7. Find a place to study without distractions.

8. Be disciplined.

9. Review your notes from class.

10. Ask questions about anything that you may not understand . 

FInding your Purpose

Purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

College is an awesome opportunity to seek your purpose in life. We must first seek Christ in order to find our true purpose and identity. Yes, we may have dreams and visions but His visions are more important. If you are a college student and confused about where you may be headed, take time and ask Him. 

We are reminded in Jer. 1:5 that God knew us before we were created in our mother's womb. This allows us the chance to be confident that He knows what is best. It is not our job to try and tell Him the plan but rather seek the plan and follow Him. If we follow Him, the plan will unfold for sure. I want to encourage you today to seek first the Kingdom of God AND His righteousness and all the things that you desire will be added unto you (Math. 6:33).