7 Biggest Health Trends Predicted for 2020

We’ve done the research to bring you the next hottest health and wellness trends for 2020—before they hit.  

As the new decade nears, it seems as though we have already exhausted the endless possibilities in the health and wellness world. Just in this past year, we’ve witnessed the rise of non-dairy alternative milks such as that of oats, a new interactive gym mirror that you can follow along with in the comfort of your own home, IV drips for vitamins and minerals, cryo facials, the regularization of MCT oil, and so much more. 

These innovations come at a time of increased attention to personal nutrition, exercise, beauty, and mental wellness. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness industry grew by 6.4% annually between 2015-2017, increasing from a $3.7 trillion to a $4.2 trillion market. The wellness industry also comprises 5.3% of global economic output, making it a significant and influential factor in current consumerist culture.  

Recently, Whole Foods has capitalized on this increased interest in health, and they released their own curated list of predicted health food trends for 2020 for MindBodygreen, an online hub for all things science-based and holistic well-being. Other big brands and companies have similarly followed suit in trying to capture the attention of this growing audience. Keep reading below for a compilation of observations and predictions for what these popular companies will promote in 2020. 

1.     Fun Flours

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Just like non-dairy milk alternatives, flour substitutes are also shining this year. Consumers looking for gluten-free and nut-free baking ingredients need not look any further. Additionally, many of these alternatives have added benefits such as greater protein and fiber content than the conventional variety. Some new flours shaking up the shelves include flours made from bananas, chickpeas, cauliflower, tiger-nuts, quinoa, and peas.   

2.     AI Consultants and Virtual Wellness

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Technology seems to grow as the health industry does, and the next big wellness tool can be found in your own personal spa. This machine will offer programs that are designed to collect data on the user’s genetic, microbial, and bio-sensory information. It will allow for unique experiences and personalized treatments, all while using the futuristic VR system. 

3.     Sound bath healing

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If you haven’t heard of this, it’s probably because it is only now starting to enter mainstream culture. Sound baths are a form of therapeutic meditation in which a practitioner sits and listens to sounds that are normally produced by crystal bowls and other instruments. They are tuned to specific frequencies to achieve alpha and theta brainwaves, which are said to increase creativity, overpower depression, and help cognitive function.

4.     Sugar alternatives 

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While maple syrup, honey, and Stevia are commonly-used alternatives, 2020 is kicking it up a notch to include more niche sweetener swaps to use in your every day recipes. Conventional artificial sweeteners have been linked with autoimmune diseases, obesity, gut issues, and other health hazards. However, these new sugars are all-natural and derived from various fruits. They include sugar from monkfruit, pomegranate, coconut, and dates. 

5.     Instagram Influencers as Food Influencers

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Nowadays, instead of just famous people having Instagram accounts, Instagram is making people famous. One example in the health food sphere is Kenzie Burke, a 20-something entrepreneur who is known for her endorsement of Food Combining. While this is an ancient Ayurvedic practice, Burke has popularized it through her personal Instagram, YouTube, blog, and e-books. Food Combining consists of general food “guidelines” in order to optimize digestion, such as eating fruit first in the morning and not eating meat and grains together. She has garnered a following of over 100,000 people on Instagram, and she regularly posts her followers’ transformation photos and stories.

6.     Breathing Apps

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Speaking to the key role that technology plays in our daily lives, breathing and meditation apps are also on the rise. This comes as result of a somewhat new public discourse on mental health awareness and burnout. Studies show that just 25 minutes of focused breathing can improve cognitive function and boost energy levels. Mobile apps make this healthy practice all the more convenient!

7.     Micro-HIIT Workouts

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2020 is all about maximizing time. That’s why workouts are getting shorter… and more intense. Equinox Health Advisory Board Member Pamela Peek, MD, at the University of Maryland predicts that micro-HIIT sessions will take off as a physical challenge and as a counter-balance to our increasingly sedentary lives. These stimulating 20-minute workouts trigger autophagy and the production of stem cells, or the regenerative cells in the body. They are also the perfect way to get in a good sweat during a lunch break! Boutique fitness studios such as PlateFit, a 27-minute HIIT workout in Los Angeles, are already supplying the demand for efficient exercise!

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How to Snack Healthily This Finals Week

With finals in full swing, and energy and motivation rapidly depleting, it’s essential to stay driven and power through this last stretch. Healthy snacks are a great way to enjoy yourself and maintain your energy in order to end the quarter strong. Check out our top three recommendations below for some tasty and affordable ideas.

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Avocado with olive oil and salt

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Everyone’s had guacamole and avocado toast, but this minimalist creation is equally as delicious and actually healthier, all while maintaining the purity of this majestic seeded fruit. Just cut the avocado in half and sprinkle lightly with salt, and enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil! Add lemon, balsamic, chia seeds or other seasonings of choice to spice things up a bit. If you’re craving avocado toast, try substituting an organic rice cake in place of toast.

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Nuts

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Nuts are the perfect snack for any occasion, but particularly for periods that require high energy, as they are loaded with nutrients to help power through your day. Some are slightly more nutritious than others, but as a general rule of thumb, all nuts are good nuts! They’re also quite versatile, as you can combine them with peanut butter, chuck them in salads, or just eat them as is. For a extra filling breakfast, toss in some almonds or cashews into your oatmeal for breakfast.

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Cheese

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Whoa… cheese?? Yes, cheese!! Cheese is often thought of as unhealthy because of its pairings and various iterations. True, it’s not really a nutritious snack when poured on top nachos or in the middle of a double-stacked cheeseburger, but cheese can be a nutritious snack if consumed in a more simple manner. It’s high in protein, and some cheese, such as mozzarella and goat cheese, are much lower in calories and fat. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some multigrain crackers or fresh fruit and you’re well on your way to a healthy charcuterie board.

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Matcha Madness

The past two years have ushered in the popularity of a game changing caffeine source: matcha tea. But why the hype around matcha? Let's break it down. 

What is Matcha?

Matcha, which translates literally to "powdered tea," is made by grinding green tea leaves into fine powder which is mixed into drinks instead of steeped like traditional tea. By consuming the whole tea leaves in this powder form, matcha has up to three times as much caffeine as steeped tea. Here is a caffeine scale:

• Matcha: 80 mg (10 oz)
• Green Tea: 25-40 mg/cup
• Espresso: 90-100 mg/shot
• Red Bull: 80 mg per can
• Coffee: 120-150+/cup

Differentiated by grades, matcha can be used in many culinary capacities. Hence, lower grade "culinary" matcha is meant to be used outside of traditional tea making. Culinary matcha is considered of a lower grade because it is not as carefully harvested and may lack the levels of caffeine and L-Theanine that make matcha particularly attractive. Matcha is made using only the tips of the plant and is harvested using a technique that requires shading the plant in order to trick it into entering survival mode. Fearing death due to a lack of sunlight, the baby leaves that grow while the plant is shaded have higher levels of chlorophyll and antioxidants from this shade-induced survival mode. Culinary grade matcha puts less emphasis on this process— making it cheaper—and lacks the full benefits of higher grade matcha. 

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Why is Matcha so Expensive?

As previously discussed, the matcha harvesting process can be highly specialized and time consuming in order to maximize matcha's health benefits. The more refined the matcha-harvesting process, the more expensive the matcha. However, this doesn't mean that a capitalist society is not taking advantage of its consumers. When purchasing matcha be sure to recognize its grade. Ceremonial grade is considered the highest quality of matcha. Termed ceremonial grade because it is intended for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, make sure any matcha you purchase with the intention to consume as tea is considered ceremonial grade. At local cafes too, don't be afraid to ask the barista what kind of matcha they use, because it might not be worth your while to drink that beloved matcha latte if the matcha being used isn't high quality matcha. 

Why Matcha Over Coffee or Other Tea?

The caffeine in matcha is considered to produce an extended caffeine release period. Matcha leaves produce larger caffeine molecules than coffee or energy drinks, which increase the time the caffeine breaks down in the bloodstream and increases the time caffeine remains active in the body. As a whole leaf tea, it contains a very concentrated source of antioxidants. To be clear about the benefits of antioxidants, these are molecules that function as their name suggests to prohibit or even prevent oxidation of other molecules. This is beneficial to the body as it neutralizes and removes free-radicals from the bloodstream, in essence acting as a purifier for our blood by counteracting harmful molecules. Lastly, matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid recognized as possessing stress-relieving and relaxing effects without onsetting drowsiness. Overall, matcha keeps you energized longer than coffee, has greater antioxidant concentration, and helps relieve stress instead of inducing caffeine jitters or shakiness. 

Woah, So Where Can I Get Matcha?!

Sawada Coffee Military Latte

On Campus at UChicago visit the Grounds of Being coffee shop in the basement of Swift Hall (the Divinity school). They offer matcha lattes, plain matcha tea, and military lattes—matcha lattes with a shot of espresso. You can also stop by Te'Amo for matcha tea with boba. In Chicago, visit Sawada Coffee, which is by far the most prominent matcha source in the city. Located on 112 N Green St., Sawada in a converted warehouse, the rustic interior compliments the aesthetic of their signature military latte. They also infuse matcha in their green tea latte, cortado, and americano. 

If you're a purist or want to prepare matcha yourself at home, visit Chinatown for affordable ceremonial grade matcha. Every grocer in Chinatown has matcha on their shelves and their prices are consistently the best bang for your buck. 

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If you're looking for matcha to grab and go, visit Whole Foods to pick up MatchaBar's bottled matcha. Founded by two brothers in NYC, expect MatchaBar to be a future matcha powerhouse. With four flavors, their matcha is not to be missed. 

Additional Reading:

Matcha 101

7 Things You Should Know About Matcha

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How to Craft the Perfect "Warm Salad"

When it's cold, dirty and slush-filled outside, a nice warm meal to end the day becomes an absolute necessity. Salads are great, but something cold and crunchy is less appealing on cooler days. So why not try what I call a "warm salad?" Roasting vegetables turns cold and crunchy to warm and smooth and can be combined with quinoa or other grains to make a wholesome warm winter meal. Here is my go-to roasted vegetable warm salad recipe.

Ingredients

3 medium beets

2 bell peppers 

1 1lb. brussel sprouts

1 head of broccoli

1 sweet potato

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

2 eggs

olive oil (to liking, minimum 5 tbs. total)

salt

hummus (optional)

lemon pepper (optional)

lemon juice (optional)

Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Prepare the quinoa either in a rice cooker or by bringing water to a boil. Follow the instructions of your specific rice cooker to use the proper settings. If preparing for stovetop, combine quinoa with boiling water. Reduce the heat and cover until the water has been fully absorbed by the quinoa. 

While the oven is heating and the quinoa cooking, begin preparing vegetables. Peel and cube the beets, slice the brussel sprouts in half, cut the stem off of the head of broccoli, and separate the broccoli into florets, and cut the bell peppers into slices. 

VETEGABLE PREP TIPS:

Bell Peppers - Using a knife cut around the stem at the to of the pepper. Gently twist and pull the stem to remove the pepper's seeds. Cut the pepper in half and slice away any remaining parts of the center. 

Broccoli - Cut the stem at the convergence point between the stem and florets. Use your hands to pull away the florets. Once the outer florets are gone, you may want to trim the stem again and separate the remaining florets. 

Seasoning may vary to your preference, but here is what I suggest: 

Place each prepared vegetable into a separate bowl. Add enough olive oil to lightly cover each vegetable. Broccoli will require the most olive oil to fully cover. Add lemon juice and salt to beets. Add lemon pepper and salt to broccoli. Add lemon pepper and salt to bell peppers. Add salt to brussel sprouts. 

Roast vegetables for 15-20 minutes.

The sweet potato may be cubed and roasted, however, for quick preparation use a microwave to steam the potato. Puncture the skin with a fork or knife several times before placing in the microwave. Depending on your microwave, use the default potato setting or start with 5:00 minutes. When done, wrap the potato in aluminum foil and set aside. 

To poach the eggs, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir the water to create a whirlpool effect, then while the water is still spinning crack the eggs into the water. Turn the temperature down to medium and do not let the water intensely boil while the eggs are cooking. Leave eggs in water for 2-3 minutes before removing them. 

Once all the vegetables are done roasting and quinoa has finished cooking, uncover the potato and cut it into mid-sized slices.

Assemble the bowl with quinoa on the bottom, brussel sprouts, beets, broccoli, and peppers in the middle layer, and eggs on top. You may also garnish with hummus or other toppings to your liking. 

Freshmen Fifteen Who?

Coming from Texas to Chicago, there were a lot of things I had to worry about–whether I would like the city, whether I would have to explain to multiple people and multiple occasions that, “No, I didn’t ride horses on a daily basis,” and whether I would be able to fit all my shoes in one suitcase because who knew airlines charged for “extra luggage” (even for something as necessary as shoes!). But other than completely stressing out over just existing in such a new city and trying to figure what exactly my calculus teacher is trying to tell me about delta being epsilon, there is one thing I have been very aware of–the “freshmen 15.” That daunting, ever present warning you get from students of the before time about just how bad their eating habits were and just how consequential that became. Well, speaking from my four-week experience as a student here, this what I’ve gathered:

1. The freshmen fifteen is definitely real

You might not be feeling it now (I know I didn’t) but those two plates of fries you had for dinner will certainly catch up with. The effects are not instant, in most cases, but without proper exercise and physical activity, you might feel your body becoming more sluggish and, for a lot of people, acne becomes a very real struggle.

2. You don’t really have to change much of what you’re eating

So, take it from someone who has a literal addiction to fries, IT GETS REALLY HARD TO STOP YOURSELF. I’ve had instances when I could’ve gotten a salad or chicken, but I’ve opted out for a bowl of fries and some juice–I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. But, my motto is it’s all about moderation. Some people hear that and they’re like “yeah, yeah whatever, tell me something I don’t know,” but it’s actually possible to eat whatever you want (within reason) and maintain whatever standard weight figure you have in mind. I’ve been doing it for a while now and it seems to be working fine and it’s just a mind game you have to play. If you had an OMG bad for you lunch (pizza and fries anyone?) go for a salad with light dressing and a side of chicken, or tofu (yay protein!). If you’re feeling a little sluggish, go for a light walk/run and get your blood pumping. It’s all a matter of just changing small things in your daily routine so they can in turn, help change your lifestyle for the better.

3. It’s really about LOVING YOURSELF!

It’s not all about being skinny or trying to get to that perfect size 2 figure (but if that’s what you want, I support you too!). It’s more about feeling healthy in your own skin. The fact that you were worried about the freshmen fifteen so much that you decided to continue to read my post (which I greatly appreciate!) means that you care about your body enough to keep it healthy and happy and that’s all I’m really asking for.

I hope there was much gained and nothing lost from going on this spiel with me! Goodbye for now!

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Feeds to Follow: @carolinedeisler

Looking for some post-summer inspiration? Look no further! Caroline Deisler (@carolinedeisler), with her signature recurring watermelon Instagram post motif, makes it clear that the key to her health and energy is her passion for eating whole fresh fruits, vegetables, and starches in abundance.

Her plant-based diet is simple, and her approach to food is one that is centered around body-confidence and self-love. One of her favorite craving-crushing desserts is dried Medjool dates, which are jam-packed with naturally occurring sugars and a plethora of vitamins and fiber. I have personally tried it out, and it really does work!

H A P P Y G I R L ☀️🌴 @the.slow _____________________________________ Check out my Insta Story to see more about my Bali trip with @theasia.collective 💋

12.2k Likes, 259 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "H A P P Y G I R L ☀️🌴 @the.slow _____________________________________ Check out my Insta Story to..."

C O Z Y M O N D A Y S 💭🌴@saboskirt THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ARE NOW ON MY BLOG!👀 👉🏼 www.carolineschoice.com

5,383 Likes, 76 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "C O Z Y M O N D A Y S 💭🌴@saboskirt THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ARE NOW ON MY BLOG!👀 👉🏼..."

Her loose-fitting tops flow with a dynamism that perfectly captures her constant motion and carefree spirit. She travels from Bali to Miami and beyond on a fairly frequent basis for professional photoshoots, filling her feed with wanderlust-worthy pictures.

Her neutral-toned tops, accessories, and other items of clothing complement each other well and give her outfit a smooth overall aesthetic that no over-embellished look can beat.

W E E K E N D V I B E S 💦💭

2,527 Likes, 51 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "W E E K E N D V I B E S 💦💭"

C O Z Y A F T E R N O O N S💭🌴Almost time for my next Trip✈️😍What are your Easter plans?

12.5k Likes, 185 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "C O Z Y A F T E R N O O N S💭🌴Almost time for my next Trip✈️😍What are your Easter plans?"

Following her 7 Day Vegan Challenge will most certainly be a refreshing experience, though the foods she bases her diet around may initially seem unusual to non-vegans. From personally experimenting with the foods Caroline eats, I have already seen improvements in my athletic performance and energy levels. Do give it a try if you would like to see your dessert cravings disappear and your focus levels stay high throughout the day!

Gym Time💥👊🏼

17.5k Likes, 486 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "Gym Time💥👊🏼"

M I A M I D A Y S 🌸💦🌴 Ps: My favourite Miami Spots are now on the Blog! Head over to carolineschoice.com or follow the link in my Bio!💋

8,818 Likes, 125 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "M I A M I D A Y S 🌸💦🌴 Ps: My favourite Miami Spots are now on the Blog! Head over to..."

Here is a model who focuses not on food-restriction but rather self-love, eating to satisfaction, and a well-rounded active lifestyle. Her Instagram stories routinely feature her starting the day with a kickboxing session or ab sets, always best when done in the midst of natural landscapes.

T H A T S U M M E R G L O W 🍉☀️🌴

5,314 Likes, 84 Comments - CAROLINE DEISLER | VEGAN 🍉💦🌴 (@carolinedeisler) on Instagram: "T H A T S U M M E R G L O W 🍉☀️🌴"

Her look is never ostentatious but rather simple, minimal, clean and immensely endearing. Though most of her photoshoots occur at tropical locales, we can nevertheless draw inspiration from her positivity and energy, as well as her eagerness to spread her vegan eating journey with the world. Do check out her blog here to find out more!

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Tea-ology 101

Spring is finally here!  In the Windy City, seeing any bits of sun brightens our days after surviving the rainy, freezing, windy winter. With this joyful energy, spring is the perfect season to start feeling the lightness of summer. While treating yourselves with exciting plans around the city in the refreshing spring air, make sure to take care of your body a little better this quarter! Your skin and body have gone through a rough winter, and they are ready to be cleansed in order to mentally and physically get ready for summer! 

The easiest way to do this: Tea! Replacing your morning grande black coffee or your midnight double espresso shot from Ex Lib with tea would be a great way to start your easy detox program. Even if it contains some level of caffeine just like coffee, tea actually has so many more health benefits. Used for both flavor and healing purposes in the past, tea actually has the same level of power as coffee to wake you up in the morning or to help you pull up an all-nighter in Reg, while not damaging your body as bad as coffee does. Instead, drinking a cup of tea will put you in a more focused state of mind while relaxing you.

Here you can find different types of most commonly used types of tea and where you can find them on campus and in Chicago!

Black

Being one of the most caffeinated varieties of tea, black tea has a very strong awakening effect. It is said that drinking black tea might be linked to lower cholesterol levels. The most popular black tea blends are Early Grey (which has a rich aroma of bergamot oil), English Breakfast (works really well with milk) and Masala Chai (has a spicier flavor). You can find all these types in most of the coffee shops on campus such as Ex Lib, Hallowed, Cobb. If you want to go for a fancier black tea experience, you can stop by Pavilion or Palm Court Chicago at the Drake Hotel.

Black tea

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Palm Court at the Drake Hotel

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Masala Chai

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Pavilion at Langham Chicago

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Green

Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Studies show that drinking green tea can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. China green tea and jasmine tea have a more subtle flavor while matcha green tea is a more bitter kind. Plein Air and Sawada Coffee are perfect locations to spend the day while enjoying your desired version of green tea.

Matcha Tea at Sawada Coffee

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Green tea

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White

Definitely my favourite kind of them all, white tea is the healthiest option. The light and fresh flavor makes you feel so clean and immediately lowers down your stress levels. My on-campus favourites are Almond Blossom tea from Ex lib, Hallowed or Harper and Peach Blossom Tea from Dollop. 

Almond Blossoms

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Peach flower tea

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Chamomile

Chamomile tea is made from the flowers of the chamomile plant so it is one of least-processed types of tea. You can find it in nearly every coffee shop on campus.

Lemon Ginger Tea

The lemon-ginger duo makes this type of the one of healthiest options. Drinking lemon ginger tea might be a great idea to enhance your immune system naturally. You can also find it in most of the coffee shops on campus.

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An Easy Guide to Eating Well in College

Eating well is essential to maintaining good health, but for a lot of college students, nutrition is viewed as a nuisance rather than a priority. During my first year at UChicago, just fitting in three meals a day was difficult, let alone ensuring my body was getting the nutritional balance it needed. Everyday, I would squeeze in as many trips to the dining hall as I could and try to fill up on whatever looked somewhat appetizing, but I found that I was still perpetually hungry, tired, and - most surprisingly - losing weight.

My mom suggested that I consult Chicago-based nutritionist, and founder of La Dolce Vita Nutrition, Renata Orr about creating a routine to combat the difficulty of eating well at school. Over a series of weekly sessions, both over Skype and in person, Mrs. Orr and I developed a simple, sustainable eating plan that could be worked into a college lifestyle.

Our sessions were broken up by meal, starting with breakfast. Mrs. Orr stressed the importance of going into each meal with a good idea of what should and should not end up on your plate. "Breakfast is literally 'breaking-fast.' After not eating for many hours, it's important to replenish your body's nutrient levels," she explained in one of our first sessions. "Start your day with room temperature water, oatmeal with absolutely no sugar, and fruit." Though they may not be offered in the dining hall, smoothies packed with fruits and veggies are another great way to start your day if you have a small blender and a refrigerator in your apartment or dorm room.

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Next, we tackled lunch, which is also an essential meal for nutrient intake. "Without one really big salad a day, there is no health," she explained. "Vegetables lose a lot of vitamins and minerals when they are cooked." Eating a plate full of spinach, kale, bell peppers, sprouts, onions, radishes, and all of the other good stuff you can find at the dining hall salad bar will give you much more energy throughout the day than pizza or sandwiches. "Your body spends a lot of energy on digestion, so by filling your diet with good things, your body does not have to work so hard to derive what it needs from your food."

That doesn't mean that you have to resign yourself to eating a pile of dry greens, though. In fact, it is far better to have a variety of colors on your plate, as the colors of vegetables are indicative of the different properties they possess. Red veggies, for instance, can reduce the risk of heart disease, and green ones can provide protein and vitamins. Your salad should not be constricted to vegetables, though - primarily because that would make for a bland meal, but also because other ingredients have so much to offer. Nuts and chicken, which offer good fats and protein, are excellent and easy additions.

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I, like a lot of us, had the tendency to eat big at dinner and small, or not at all, at breakfast and lunch, but Renata emphasized the error in this practice. Dinner should not be a massive undertaking because your body only has a few hours to digest what you put in your stomach before going to sleep. Whole wheat pasta with vegetables and a side of chicken or salad is a well-balanced, nutritious dinner that can be found in any dining hall.

For many college students, myself included, three meals isn't enough, though. Snacks are an essential part of the student diet, and they can be just as important to eating well. Snacking during the day can prevent you from filling up on bad food at meals. I always carry trail mix and apples in my backpack because they can either be found in the dining hall or one of the markets on campus, and they are packed with potassium and good fats, which can keep you feeling energized and good in between mealtimes.

Now as a third year in the College, I have incorporated these practices into my daily routine, and the results are tangible. Not only do I feel better knowing exactly what is going into my body, but I also have more energy and better health. Though it does take some time to make nutrition part of your day-to-day life, I have found that it is a lifeskill worth developing.

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What are your New Year's eating resolutions? How do you eat a balanced diet in the dining halls? Let us know in the comments below!

Fall Bikini Bods Made Possible

Excessive amounts of milkshakes, coffee, and cookies, lack of sleep and stress eating - in terms of unhealthy habits, these describe college perfectly. Nothing motivates us more during the springtime than getting beach ready for summer, so how do we stay bikini-ready all year round? We can start by stocking up our dorms and apartments with healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, or granola and trading in those long nights with six cups of coffee for a cup of caffeinated herbal tea. Owning a cute water bottle will make you want to drink more water during the day, so fill it up often to stay hydrated.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! Although diet is an important way to stay healthy and fit, pick up a new indoor activity to keep yourself moving. In Hyde Park there are gyms and studios for most activities or you could just head over to Ratner Athletic Center for a quick workout right on campus that offers cardio kickboxing, Zumba, yoga, and so much more. Other ways to stay active this fall include dance classes in Hyde Park or on campus and joining any of the club teams and intramural teams that are available on campus.

During those days when you're procrastinating and decide to take a nap instead of writing your paper, go out and exercise because that will help energize you - maybe you'll become inspired and get back to work feeling better than ever. Plus there are so many ways to stay active that there is something for every person to do. On campus we have a wide range of intramural and club sports from girls' rugby and co-ed flag football to midnight soccer and dodgeball, so look at the schedule on athletics.uchicago.edu and find a team if that interests you. In Hyde Park there is the Hyde Park School of Dance that offers classes in jazz, ballet, and modern dance. CorePower yoga studio offers beginners' classes, and Chaturanga Holistic Fitness that offers classes in yoga, meditation, pilates, and dance.

If you just have fun with it, staying healthy and working out won’t even feel like the usual hassle that comes with the springtime frenzy of getting swimsuit ready. But don’t forget, it’s cold out so hot chocolate will always be the perfect treat for those chilly fall nights.

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