Meet CL Intern Raquel Santos

Name: Raquel Santos

Position: Health and Fitness Writer

University: Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Major: Nutrition, Dietetics

Organizational Involvement: Volunteer and educator for Rutgers Snap-Ed

Pets: Two dogs and one kitty

Nickname: Rox/Rocky – ever since I was in elementary school

Dream Job: Successful R.D. with a private practice and author

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite candy: Twizzlers!

Favorite movie: Pineapple Express (I have a secret crush on James Franco)

Favorite cuisine: Probably Portuguese. Portuguese food is mainly just lots of seafood and meat, veggies, and sometimes rice or potatoes. I don’t eat the meat but I love pretty much any kind of fish.

Favorite season: SUMMER (the fact that my birthday is in July might have something to do with this…)

Coffee vs Tea – Definitely coffee. Can’t go a day without it.

PC vs Mac – Mac

Coke vs Pepsi – (Diet) Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots – I guess stripes because I love plaid.

3 words to describe me: Organized, driven, loyal

3 words to describe my style: Natural and classy with a touch of indie, but my style is a bit skewed since I work at Abercrombie and Fitch so that tends to be all I wear during the summer.

You will find on my desk: LOTS of books, planners, Women’s Health magazines, pictures of friends, and Insanity DVDs.

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: How I Met Your Mother and FRIENDS (yes, I know it’s always on but I never get sick of it).

You will find on my Ipod: Everything from mainstream music to indie to hip hop. Every Jack’s Mannequin song, Jimmy Eat World, The Kooks, Lupe Fiasco, and lately I’ve been really into Bon Iver. Oh and Maroon 5…I think every girl can agree with me on this one

You will find in my refrigerator: Lots of fruits and veggies, Chobani yogurts, Skim milk, and natural Whole Foods almond butter!

I have a slight obsession with: My puppy. She’s a doxin and I absolutely love her. She’s actually on my lap as I type this very moment.

I dislike: When people are lazy.

My friends would say I am: They’d probably say I can always make them laugh, I’m always there for them no matter what, and I’m always down to be spontaneous.

I am most happy when: I’ve had a productive day and feel like I’ve earned some time to hang out with my friends at the end of it.

Most people are surprised to know I: love to sing. I never sing in front of people, so I like to have imaginary performances in the shower, in the car, and on my treadmill =).

A classy co-ed is: A would define a classy co-ed as someone who respects herself and never lets anyone walk all over her. A classy co-ed is always put together and lives her life by her own needs and dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raquel Santos, Health and Fitness Writer of College Lifestyles. She is a Dietetics major who loves to write and run!

 

Meet CL Intern Casey!

Name: Casey Galasso

 

Position: Health & Lifestyle Writer

University: Marist College

Major: Public Relations & Journalism

Organizational Involvement: Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority , PRSSA, Staff Writer for campus newspaper, The Circle, PR Chair for St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn

 

 

Pets: West Highland White Terrier named Scruffy

Nickname: “Case,” “Casebase”

Dream Job: Writing/editing for a major magazine or entering entertainment, fashion or sports PR

Favorite color: Red

Favorite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups 

Favorite movie:  Mean Girls

Favorite cuisine: Italian

Favorite season: Summer

Coffee vs Tea: I don’t really drink much of either. I do love the occasional Starbucks coffee, though!

PC vs Mac: Mac

Coke vs Pepsi: Pepsi

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Polka Dots

 3 words to describe me: Passionate, outgoing, trustworthy

3 words to describe my style: Classic, feminine, chic

 

You will find on my desk: Macbook, iPhone, Disney stand-up calendar, notepad, pens, alarm clock and an air freshener

You will find on my DVR/Tivo:  I don’t DVR or TiVo anything because my DVD collection is massive and one of my most prized possessions. I have hundreds of movies and TV showss on DVD. I stream what I don’t own online! My current Hulu obsessions are Smash and Don’t Trust the B in Apt. 23!

 You will find on my iPod: My iPod features such an eclectic mix of music.  I’m a huge country music buff, but will always have a place in my heart for pop and ‘90s jams.  As a runner, a majority of my music is fast paced and features empowering lyrics – it helps me get through those long runs that I don’t always think I can finish.

 You will find in my refrigerator: Lots of organic fruit, veggies, Greek yogurt, string cheese, and chocolate pudding!

I have a slight obsession with: Peanut butter, Nutella, Hello Kitty, Marilyn Monroe, Disney, shopping and running

I dislike: Feeling overwhelmed

My friends would say I am: Funny, enthusiastic, hard-working, loyal and a good listener

I am most happy when: I’ve come back from a great run, I’m in NYC, I’m spending time with my friends and family, when I’m curled up in bed eating peanut butter and Nutella out of the jar while watching a movie, when I’m at an outdoor BBQ, or when I wake up knowing I have a beautiful summer day ahead of me. It’s these simple things that make me the happiest.

Most people are surprised to know I can: quote any line from any episode of Friends.

A classy co-ed is…a young woman who is friendly, approachable, warm, intelligent, resourceful, sincere, witty, independent and most importantly, has the confidence to speak her mind.

Casey Galasso is a Health & Lifestyle Writer for College Lifestyles. Her hobbies include running, increasing the size of her DVD collection and baking.  She is looking forward to a relaxing summer filled with friends, family, shopping and food!

Guide to Eating Healthier Chips

There are certain snack foods that no matter how unhealthy they are we will never be able to cut them out of our diets. On that list of irresistible snack foods, chips rank highly. Instead of feeling guilty with every crunch of the delicious, salty chips, try looking for healthier brands of chips or making homemade chips. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what makes a chip healthier than your average brand.

The top three things you need to consider when choosing a healthier chip is the oil, sodium, and natural ingredient contents.

Chips were originally cooked in oils that were high in saturated fat, which can lead to problems with obesity and the clogging of arteries. When looking at chips’ ingredient lists check for the type of oil the chip is being cooked in. If the oil is low in trans or saturated fat like soy oil or sunflower oil your chip is going to be much healthier. A good brand of chips to try that contains no trans fat or saturated fat is Popchips.

Another thing to keep in mind is the sodium content. Sodium can be just as dangerous as the fats in oil, and chips like Lays original are very high in sodium. Try finding chips that use sea salt. Sea salt is often regarded as healthier, more natural substitute to sodium. Look for Laurel Hill Multigrain Tortilla Chips in your grocery store.

The most important thing you can remember is that natural is always better. Artificial ingredients should be a red flag for you when you browse the nutrition facts on the back of your chips. Also look for organic chips to avoid added chemicals or preservatives that are harmful to your health. A good option for organic chips is Kettle Brand Chips.

If you aren’t a fan of taking the time to check the nutrition facts on the back of chip bags while you’re at the store, you are not alone. When I go to the store I’m on a mission: get in, get out, and get on with my busy life. What I like to do instead is make my own healthy chips at home. Here are a few recipes for you to try from EatingWell Magazine, including a microwavable recipe perfect for us busy college students.

Microwave Potato Chips

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Slice potatoes into thin (1/8-inch) rounds. Toss the slices in a medium bowl with oil and salt to coat evenly.
2. Coat a large microwave-proof plate with cooking spray. Arrange some potato slices in a single layer on the plate. Microwave, uncovered, on High until some slices start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes (depending on potato thickness and microwave power). Turn the slices over and continue microwaving until they start to crisp and brown around the edges, 2 to 4 minutes more. Check frequently and rearrange slices as needed to prevent scorching. Transfer the chips to another plate and allow to cool, completely. (They will crisp more as they cool.) Repeat with the remaining potato slices.

Garlic & Herb Pita Chips

Ingredients

• 4 6-inch whole-wheat pitas
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Position oven racks in middle and lower third of oven; preheat to 350°F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cut pitas into 8 wedges each and separate each wedge at the fold. Place the pita wedges, rough-side up, in an even layer on the prepared baking sheets. Brush with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt.
3. Bake the pita wedges, switching the baking sheets halfway through, until golden and crispy, 6 to 10 minutes (depending on the thickness).

Chile-Lime Tortilla Chips

Ingredients

• 12 6-inch corn tortillas
• Canola oil cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Position oven racks in the middle and lower third of oven; preheat to 375°F.
2. Coat both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray and cut into quarters. Place tortilla wedges in an even layer on 2 large baking sheets. Combine lime juice and chili powder in a small bowl. Brush the mixture on each tortilla wedge and sprinkle with salt.
3. Bake the tortillas, switching the baking sheets halfway through, until golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes (depending on the thickness of the tortillas).

 

Kelsey Schirm is a junior at Iowa State University pursuing a double major in Journalism & Mass Communication and Art & Design. She loves exercising, cooking, and being outdoors.

CL’s 5 Stay Fit in Summer Tips

By: Katie O’Brien

 

Accompanied with the bliss of summer heat is the daunting thought of short shorts, swimsuits, and tight tank tops.  It’s no secret that summer weather translates into less clothing, and thus the added pressure of staying fit. After stress eating your way through finals, the thought of busting out that bikini for a beach weekend seems unbearable. Thoughts of juice cleanse, intense diets, and crazy workouts run rampant through your mind as the weather warms up and the shorts come out. Indisputably, no one can resist an ice-cream cone during these heated months, making the notion of dieting seem far too unrealistic. However, the true secret to feeling your best during summertime is a healthy exercise regiment. CL provides some great tips for remaining healthy during the summer.

1. Follow an effective exercise routine

One of the best types of workouts for you is cardio. Even if it is only for 20 minutes each day, cardio is one of the best ways to stay fit. Interval training is recognized as one of the most efficient ways to get your body in shape—it can be as simple as alternating running for ten minutes and walking for ten minutes.

2. Find a workout buddy

It is much easier to go on runs, go to yoga, or go to the gym when a friend goes with you. You can work to motivate each other and make sure each other keeps up with the workouts.

3. Be consistent with your workouts

It is crucial to stay consistent with your workouts. You should exercise for about the same time each week and try to do some form of physical activity every day.

4. Set a goal for yourself

You should set a goal for yourself and work towards it throughout the summer. It will help you stay motivated. Maybe buy a dress or shorts in a smaller size and work towards reaching that point. However, it is imperative that these goals are realistic so you avoid feeling discouraged.

5. Eat what you want, but in moderation

You should not deprive yourself of all of the summer foods you crave. It is most certainly okay to indulge in lemonade, barbeques, and ice cream! However, it is important to do so in moderation.

10 Healthy Study Snacks

By: Katie O’Brien

As the end of the school year fast approaches, we contemplate summer plans, we anticipate the gloomy goodbyes with our friends, and, perhaps most notably, we dread the hours of studying for finals that are sure to ensue. Studying for finals translates into stress, sleep deprivation, and late nights. The culmination of these factors undoubtedly results in snacking during studying. Because we are college students, we have endless inexpensive, but very unhealthy, snacks at our disposal. Admittedly, it is much easier to bring a bag of candy to the library than it is to bring a healthy, well-balanced meal. It is hard to find healthy foods to eat on a college student’s budget and it is even harder to find time to make healthy foods for yourself. So, here are some of CL’s suggestions for study snacks during finals—they are relatively easy to get, require little to no preparation, inexpensive, and good for you!

 

1. Mangos:  provide about 1/3 of the suggested vitamin A daily intake and almost 100% of a day’s vitamin C. They are not only delicious, but also contain a decent dose of potassium and fiber.

2. Unsweetened Greek yogurt:  has twice the protein of ordinary yogurt. It is thick, creamy, and goes perfectly with bananas, cereal, or berries.

3. Broccoli: has a lot of vitamin C and vitamin K and is widely accepted as one of the best foods

4. Watermelon: provides about 1/3 of a day’s suggested vitamin A and C intake and has a lot of   potassium in each serving.

5. Almonds: contain a significant amount of protein, fiber, and powerful antioxidants like vitamin E. They are a great source of magnesium—which produces energy and regulates blood sugar within your body.

6. Blueberries: have very few calories but very high doses of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E. They are also known for containing many brain-boosting nutrients.

 7. Dark chocolate: is known for being rich in antioxidants and has the capacity to protect skin from UV ray damage.

8. Oatmeal: is fiber rich and potassium, low in cholesterol, and known to keep arteries clear.

9. Walnuts: contain fatty acids known for reducing cholesterol. They are also known to improve mood, regulate sleep, and protect skin against UV damage.

10. Carrots: are a great source of vitamin A and known for helping vision and hair.

Q & A with Robin Plotkin

This classy co-ed got the opportunity to talk with Culinary and Nutrition Communications Consultant and Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Robin Plotkin about her career choice and (italicize and) advice she has for college students trying to live healthy lives. Check out the Q&A session to reveal all the burning questions you’ve been wondering about:

 

Kelsey: What does the job of a consultant entail?

Robin: Each day is different!  As a culinary nutritionist, I provide a number of services to my clients based on their individual needs.  I may be providing culinary and nutrition guidance to a public relations client, writing a blog post for the Dallas Morning News Health blog, developing recipes for food manufacturing clients, teaching kids cooking classes, hosting a Twitter party, reviewing and editing menus for restaurant clients, conducting media interviews to showcase new products with health benefits, attending meetings, networking and mentoring interns!  I love that each day is different and provides new challenges.

 

CL: What advice do you have for students interested in a similar career path?

Robin: First, take a nutrition class and/or a culinary arts class. It’s important to understand and know the bare bones of what this field is all about before jumping into it full steam ahead. Talk to nutrition professionals, volunteer for community events and start cooking!

 

CL: What foods do you consider to be staple for any college student’s home?

Robin: For a college student, it’s a great time to continue the healthy habits you had at home OR start new healthy habits as you create your own kitchen. The best way to ensure that you have healthy, fast and tasty meals/snacks is to have the foods you love on hand at all times. With regard to anything on this list, always check the food label and ingredients to be certain that you are making the healthiest choice!

• Canned soups
• Popcorn
• Whole wheat pasta (variety of shapes)
• Canned beans
• Frozen vegetables (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, brussel sprouts)
• Frozen fruits (berries, mangos, pineapples)
• Fresh or frozen lean meats I.e. Chicken breast, chicken strips
• Protein bars
• Frozen waffles
• High fiber cereals
• Oatmeal
• Yogurt and Greek yogurt
• Low fat or fat free milk/soy milk
• Bagged salads
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Dried fruits
• Nuts
• Seeds
• eggs
• 100% whole grain rice, bread, english muffin, crackers
• Canned tuna packed in water
• Cheese
• Trail mix (make with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips
• Peanut butter and other nut butters
• Cottage cheese and fruit
• 100% fruit juices

CL: What Kitchen items/gadgets would you recommend?

Robin: For the basic kitchen:

• Cutting boards
• Skillet
• Stock (soup) pot
• Colander
• Microwave
• George Foreman Grill
• Blender
• 3 knives-1 chef knife, 1 paring knife and 1 bread knife (serrated edge)

 

If portion control is of interest, I recommend these: http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Steps-Portion-Control-Utensil/dp/B005WCF1KU

(CL) Often college students lead busy lives which leads us to eat foods that are quick but not necessarily healthy, what advice or tips do you have to combat that?

(Robin) Just like you prepare your backpack or book bag, it’s important to prepare your snacks and meals while on campus. Pack fresh fruit that can travel like bananas, oranges, apples, Clementines and grapes. Dried fruit and trail mixes are great, too-I love whole grain cereal, dried apricots, a few raisins, mini chocolate chips and almonds. When studying, pop a bowl of popcorn, snack on frozen edamame or try some low fat cheese and whole grain crackers.

Easy meals include soup, salads and sandwiches, pasta dishes and bean dishes. There’s also nothing wrong with cheese, crackers, fruit and nuts to make a light meal.

Be sure that the food that needs to be refrigerated is cooled properly with ice packs and remember to clean your lunch bag each week!

 

CL: In terms of a college budget, how can you make a little food go a long way?

Robin: Many students spend the majority of their money on going out to eat and drink. By having the foods you love to eat at home, you can save a lot of cash and have fun learning how to cook for your friends. Try inviting 4 friends over for a pot luck dinner. Or, have friends over and take one afternoon to cook your food for the week. Portion it in individual freezer bags for each person and you’ve each got your snacks and meals for the week.

Making a grocery list is key for saving money at the grocery store. Here are some healthy, inexpensive foods that can be easily stretched to make multiple meals: oats, eggs, potatoes, kale, apples, nuts, beans, low-fat milk, seeds, spinach, broccoli and whole grain pasta.

• Dining out? Buy the foot long sub (it’s less expensive), eat 1/2 there and take the rest home for a snack. Be sure to load up on veggies-it’s easy to get a cup serving (or more) when ordering!
• Ordering Chinese food? Tack on an order of steamed veggies that can be utilized the next day in another dish.
• Pizza tonight, breakfast tomorrow is fine—but what to do with the rest of the slices? Freeze them! Defrost and reheat when the urge for pizza hits again.

One more thing—the best gift graduation gift you can ask for is a beginner or basic cooking class or a knife skills class. Having a confidence in the kitchen and a few dishes in your repertoire will help save money and eat healthier!

 

Kelsey Schirm is a junior at Iowa State University pursuing a double major in Journalism & Mass Communication and Art & Design. She loves exercising, cooking, and being outdoors.

CL’s Five Easy Ways to Get Healthy NOW!

As classy co-eds return from spring break rested, rejuvenated and reenergized, it’s time to get motivated and start working towards healthier lifestyles. When forming a new habit, it’s best to take it slow and start with something manageable so you can ease into your new routine. Here are five fun and simple tips that will get you on the right track to your fitness goal.

 

 

Motivate yourself to hydrate.

It’s important to drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your system cleansed. Buy a fun water bottle to take to classes or a pretty glass to keep on your desk at home. You’ll be so excited to use your new cup you’ll have to force yourself to stop drinking!

Challenge: Try to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

 

Ditch the bus.

It’s spring, and the weather is beautiful. Instead of waiting around for the bus or driving to class, throw on some sassy sneakers and walk to campus, or hop on your bike to get an in-between class workout. Enjoy the scenery and get your blood pumping!

Challenge: If weather permits, walk to class every day this week.

 

Go shopping.

When I’m in a workout slump, nothing gets me more excited to hit the gym than new, cute workout gear. Whether it’s a bright new sports bra or cozy yoga pants, treat yourself to some new threads as a reward—and promise—for getting back to the gym. Don’t allow yourself to take off the tags until you’re actually going to your workout.

Challenge: Clean out your closet. If you have any work out clothes that are starting to look shabby, throw them away. When you look good, you feel good.

 

Pack a (healthy) snack.

Sometimes our busy campus lifestyles make decisions like grabbing a bag of chips over putting together a fresh salad easy, even though we know the consequences. Before you go to bed, pack some healthy snacks for the next day. A bag of baby carrots, apple slices or string cheese are nutritious treats you can grab on the go. For more portable snacks that are good for you, check out Ellen’s article on snacking right while traveling.

Challenge: Invest in some colorful reusable containers for your snacks. You’ll have fun filling them with healthy treats and do some good for the environment, too.

 

Phone a friend.

No one wants to go it alone! Find a workout buddy that has similar fitness goals to you that you can work out with. If someone is holding you accountable you’re more likely to achieve your goal, plus you can catch up on girl time.

Challenge: Make plans to workout with a friend this week. If you cancel on her, you have to do 50 pushups.

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is so excited to start running outside now that it’s spring! She’s a senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

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Spring Salad Combinations

Spring is officially here. It’s time to stop eating winter’s comfort food and freshen up your diet with a spring-inspired salad. Not sure where to start? I’m here to help walk you through the process of creating your very own crisp, delicious salad.

The most important part of the salad is, of course, the greens. The variety of types can help liven up your salad and give it that perfect taste. Here are a few varieties to think about:

• Romaine: A darker green with a crisp bite to it and has a softer texture than most varieties.
• Iceberg: This light green variety has a delicate crunch to it, but isn’t as nutritional as darker lettuces.
• Butterhead (also called Boston or Bibb lettuce): A unique buttery flavored lettuce with a tender texture filled with vitamin A and folate.
• Spinach: The most nutritional of all varieties, this green is packed with high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and folacin.

Once you’ve chosen your green variety it’s important to think about all the add-ins. Many like to add chicken, shrimp, or other meats to their salad to amp up the protein levels, but this is all based on personal preference. Don’t forget to sprinkle on your favorite kind of cheese. The healthiest varieties include feta, mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan.

There are also several assortments of vegetables and fruits that go great on salads. Here are a few of my favorites I encourage you to try:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Butternut squash
• Carrots
• Corn
• Grapes
• Green beans
• Green peas
• Kiwi
• Orange segments
• Pineapple
• Red bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Sugar snap peas

Your salad is starting to look great, but there are still some final touches to take care of. I am a huge fan of crunchy add-ins. My favorites include croutons, sugared almonds, and fried chow mein noodles, but you can add any array of nuts, granola, or seeds.

Now for one of the most important parts of the salad: the dressing. A great dressing helps bring a salad from tasty to “Yum!” Of course, you could grab a bottle of your favorite dressing off the shelf at your local grocery store, but why not be ambitious and try to make your own! Making your own salad is easy if you follow this simple recipe: 2 or 3 parts oil to 1 part acid, plus salt and pepper or other herbs. Here are a few examples of ingredients you can use:

Oils:

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Nut oils (walnut, almond, etc.)
• Seed oils (sunflower, flaxseed, grape seed, etc.)
• Vegetable oil

Acids:

• Balsamic vinegar
• White or red wine vinegar
• Fruit-flavored vinegars
• Cider vinegar
• Citrus juice (lemon, lime, grapefruit, etc.)

For Creamier dressings, try adding one of these:

• sour cream
• yogurt
• buttermilk
• mayonnaise
• peanut butter
• honey

Now you’re ready to make your most perfect, personalized salad. Just remember these are only suggestions, your salad can be as simple or as complex as you want it, but just be sure to think it through first, because some salad ingredients don’t go that well together. But no matter what type of salad you concoct, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy and fresh start to the spring season.

 

Kelsey Schirm is a junior at Iowa State University pursuing a double major in Journalism & Mass Communication and Art & Design. She loves exercising, cooking, and being outdoors.

Hit The Books On A Full Stomach With These 4 Study Snacks

Studying takes a lot of energy out of any co-ed. Heck, countless hours of review tires out professional scholars! But don’t fall asleep on that textbook (you can’t sell it back if it’s covered in drool). Wake up your cranium by snacking on the following foods.

 

Seeds

Since the food you chow down on determines how well your brain will function while studying, don’t stock up on guilty, greasy, salty pleasures. Grab something that’ll improve your memory and cognition–sunflower seeds–and something that’ll relax your hardworking brain–roasted pumpkin seeds. Follow these steps via duhlicious.com to learn how to make five different flavors of roasted pumpkin seeds!

Fruits 

Slicing fruits for a fruit salad is a quick solution to your hunger pains. A blend of mangos, blueberries, cherries, and bananas will give your taste buds exactly what they’re looking for–a dose of healthy flavors! Fruits such as avocado, pineapple, grapes, and peaches all help you to recall information quickly, which is just what you’ll need to ace an exam.

Yogurt

The health benefits originating from the amino acid present in yogurt, tyrosine, make having a cup of your favorite flavor of yogurt worthwhile. Tyrosine increases the amount of dopamine and noradrenalin released in your system, making you more alert. When you feel yourself dozing off, make sure a cup of this stuff is readily available.

Did Somebody Say Chocolate?

Ah, yes, chocolate. Many people enjoy this delectable treat, but will crave it even more once they find out it boosts your mood and helps you to concentrate better due to the release of endorphins. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate’s healthier counterpart, heightens blood flow to your brain, which increases your energy level and keeps your eyes from getting heavier.

As every classy lady knows, you should never go a day without at least a few glasses of water, so wash all your snacks down with H2O. Healthy snacking, CL readers!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

INTERN KITCHEN: Chicken and hummus wrap

Welcome to CL’s Intern Kitchen!

Living away from home doesn’t necessarily mean mac and cheese has to become the replacement for your mother’s home-cooked meals. We will take you through our “intern cookbook” featuring how we fuel our bodies with healthy, easy meals.

The first recipe I came up with is from playing around in the kitchen and adding whatever came to mind. I came up with this protein packed creation for lunch by combining some of my favorite veggies, toppings and chicken.

Ingredients:

1 flatout wrap

Hummus (roasted pine nut)

Canned chunk chicken breast

Provolone cheese

Lettuce

Red onion

Cucumber

Green Pepper

Salt & Pepper

Honey mustard

 

Place the wrap on a stove top pan on low-med heat. Spread the hummus on half, followed by honey mustard. Put provolone cheese on the other half so it starts melting. Then add the rest of the ingredients in any order you want, spreading them all evenly. Roll up the wrap once it is heated the way you want it. Place on a plate and cut in half. Enjoy!

 

Stay tuned to the ‘Intern Kitchen’ for more recipes in the upcoming weeks!

 

Jessica Fecteau is a senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

 

 

 

 

 

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