Sniffles Creeping Up On You?

People are sneezing, coughing and blowing their noses at every turn.  Don't have time to be sick? Join the club!

There are some things you can do to keep the sniffles away!

• Remember what your mother told you, "Eat your fruits and veggies!"  Try to squeeze in at least 5 different fruits and vegetables throughout your day.  They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that can do more than stave off a cold.  They also decrease your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes!
• Keep your diet well rounded! Include whole grains (check out last week's blog), protein and dairy to keep your body functioning normally.
• Should I supplement? Well, a multivitamin is always a good idea specifically during cold and flu season to ensure you are getting everything your body needs to keep it strong.  Be careful about supplementing specific vitamins or minerals.  There are upper limits to some of them for good reason...any higher and they make you sick or keep your body from appropriately absorbing other nutrients.  Do a little research before you dive into a vitamin supplement, or shoot me an email and we can figure it out!

Outside of nutrition....Top 5 ways to stay healthy:

1. Wash your HANDS
2. Do not smoke - decreases Vitamin C utilized within your body
3. Exercise! Even walking to class counts!
4. If you choose to drink, MODERATION
5. Do something good for your body and SLEEP!  I know it can be hard to find the time, but if you want to stay well, it's necessary

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Questions? Send me an email NIUNutritionQuestions@gmail.com

Start your routine off right!

A new semester means a new routine.  Getting familiar with new schedules, food and resources available on campus can be stressful.  In hopes of starting that routine off with some healthy habits try these!

• Get moving at the Rec! The recreation center is FREE to students.  Take Advantage! So many options to stay physically active.... The beginning of the semester is the perfect time to work physical activity into your weekly schedule. Try getting 30 minutes most days of the week. They offer:
• Plenty of workout equipment.
• Group Fitness Classes
• Intramural Sports
• Nutrition Counseling. FREE to students.
• Outdoor Adventures
• Personal Training & Yoga
• Sports Clubs
• EAT! Figuring out a new schedule means fitting food in there eventually.  When you're overly hungry you tend to overeat at the next meal. Strive to make time for three meals per day with small healthy snacks in between. 
• Make time for breakfast. Even on the go!
• Pack a lunch/snacks.
• Keep the dining hall schedule in your bookbag.
• Plan a dinner date with friends as a study break.
• Keep a water bottle with you.
• Think ahead. NIU provides menus and nutrition information online!  So... USE IT! Check out the menu and decide on some healthy options before getting there.
• Start with a salad
• Make your plate colorful
• Try some red, green or orange colored foods
• Share a dessert
• Look for grilled, steamed or broiled

New semester, new routine.  Try to incorporate some of these healthy options into your routine now and hopefully they will stick with you as the semester progresses.

Have some other healthy habits to share?  Send me an email.... niunutritionquestions@gmail.com.