Three simple steps to losing weight

     Everyone wants to lose weight, don't they? College students are no exception. What's worse than getting up in the morning, looking in the mirror and realizing you've gained a few pounds because you've been chugging back a six pack of beer every night on the weekends?

     Not every college student has the time (or the want) to go to the gym, but believe it or not, you can begin loosing weight with these three simple steps:

1. Get eight hours of sleep each night.

      When you're asked 'how do you burn fat,' most of you are going to answer with cardio. Yes, it's true that exercises such as running, swimming, biking and other endurance activities burn fat, but what about one you didn't know; Sleep. Believe it or not, it's true! You burn fat while you sleep. The trick though, is that you have to get at least eight hours, any less and you won't be burning fat in your sleep. Getting enough sleep will also affect how hungry you are during the day. To sum sleep up, it basically gives your body the energy you need to function during the day, and what happens when you take that source of energy away; you eat instead to get that energy you need. Sleep more, and you will find that you will eat less.  You can find more information on sleep and fat burning here.

2. Drink 16oz of water as soon as you wake up.

     One of the great things about water is that it gets your body going. Your body is FULL of water, and the clear liquid is essential for your continued health and development. By drinking 16oz of water as soon as you wake up, you will not only kick start your metabolism, but you will also be replenishing your body of any water loss that may have occurred the night before (and if you're waking up with a dry mouth, you are not drinking enough water during the day). By AS SOON AS, we mean right away, not after spending the first hour of the morning in bed watching Hulu. The only catch on this step, is that you have to drink 16oz. Drink any less, and your metabolism won't get the correct kick start it should be getting.

3. Eat breakfast.

     Your mother was right, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Like drinking water in the morning, eating a hearty breakfast (a good one, not a Starbucks run) will get your metabolism going and give you enough energy to start your day. That initial bite of food will also get your digestive system going, as most of you are aware of that need to use the bathroom after that first meal of the day. It's all gotta go somewhere.

All in all, those three steps are very simple for someone looking to become a happier and healthier person. Each step is easy, and does not require any sort of preparation or exertion. 

Stay healthy, stay strong.

Until next time,

dan