Kathleen Tushaus, the voice behind Health Haus, is a 21-year-old college student from the Midwest who is on a mission to navigate the worlds of health, wellness, and a plant-based diet while balancing the craziness of college life. Through her blog, she shares tips, tricks, and simple, attainable recipes to help others maintain a healthy lifestyle. Kathleen invites readers to join her as she learns and shares on this journey.

Sorority Living While Plant-Based

Living in a sorority house during her sophomore year of college presented unique challenges for maintaining a plant-based diet. With a structured menu, limited appliances, and the beginnings of her health journey, Kathleen had to be creative and disciplined. Here's how she did it and how others can too.

The key to Kathleen's success was treating her plant-based diet as non-negotiable. When something is truly important, it becomes a priority. People often asked how she resisted the temptation of fried food while living with over 70 girls. Her answer was simple: she chose not to eat that way. It wasn't about restriction but about making a conscious decision that aligned with her values and health goals.

Tips for Sticking to a Plant-Based Diet in a Sorority

  1. Plan, Plan, Plan: Kathleen emphasizes the importance of creating a grocery or meal list for the week, meal prepping, and scheduling workouts in advance to hold oneself accountable.
  2. Speak Up: If living situations aren't accommodating dietary needs, Kathleen suggests speaking up and offering recommendations. This applies to eating out at restaurants as well.
  3. Find Your "Why": Writing down reasons for maintaining a healthy lifestyle daily helps stay motivated, especially when surrounded by different eating habits.
  4. Get Friends Involved: Surrounding oneself with supportive friends who encourage healthy habits is crucial, according to Kathleen.
  5. Utilize Microwavable Steam Bags and Leftovers: Kathleen recommends stocking up on leftovers from communal meals and using microwavable steam bags for quick and easy meals.
  6. Invest in a Small Blender: A blender is perfect for making smoothies and other plant-based treats.
  7. Purchase an Air-Fryer: Kathleen believes an air-fryer can elevate meals and make cooking faster and healthier.
  8. Use the Salad Bar to Make Wraps: Don't let fresh veggies go to waste. Kathleen often made delicious wraps using available ingredients.

Favorite Supplements and Why Kathleen Takes Them

Taking supplements is part of Kathleen's daily routine to ensure her body gets the necessary nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the supplements she takes and their benefits:

  • B12: Essential for energy levels, nerve health, and preventing anemia. As B12 isn't found in plants, supplementation is crucial.
  • Iron: Vital for energy and immune health, especially since non-heme iron from plants isn't absorbed as well as heme iron from animal products.
  • Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Vitamin D: These nutrients are crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness. While they can be found in plant foods, supplementation ensures adequate intake.
  • Probiotic: Supports gut health and digestion. Kathleen uses Seed’s daily symbiotic, which includes both prebiotics and probiotics.

Investing in Health

Kathleen believes that health is an investment, not an expense. Supplements can help fill in the nutritional gaps, especially during busy college life when it’s challenging to eat a diverse diet daily. Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods and supplementing as needed ensures getting the most out of a plant-based lifestyle.

Image From: https://www.instagram.com/health__haus/

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Living a healthy, plant-based lifestyle in college is entirely possible with the right mindset and tools. Kathleen’s journey illustrates the importance of planning, staying motivated by one’s "why," and surrounding oneself with supportive friends. Investing in health pays off in the long run, helping individuals become the best version of themselves. Readers are encouraged to reach out with any questions and join Kathleen in continuing this journey.

You can connect with Kathleen Tushaus:

Website: https://www.thehealth-haus.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleentushaus/ / https://www.instagram.com/health__haus/
X: https://x.com/health__haus
Titktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@health_haus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-tushaus-7472501a3/

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