Pizza, parties, and the Freshman 15. These are typically the topics we’re taught to associate with the college experience, but how accurate are they? You probably know that college is a lot more than procrastination-filled partying, which is an almost universally-accepted myth. But when it comes to the diet discussion, the truth may seem a little more clouded. Sure, it’s easy to enter or return to campus and dive into a seemingly endless basket of tater tots before hitting up Outtakes for some Half-Baked ice cream, but this routine isn’t set in stone. In other words, coming to college doesn’t have to mean abandoning your health.
Marilyn Gordon, registered dietician, licensed nutritionist and professor at NSU, said that it’s important that students make the time to take care of their body and that begins with the food that we choose to nourish our body with. Taking the steps toward a healthy lifestyle can seem difficult for incoming students and even unrealistic for returning ones. Here are some steps to help Sharks enter the new academic year with a mako-healthy lifestyle.
Recognize that it is possible
Between classes, friends, work and stress many students feel that they can’t maintain healthy lifestyle and eating habits because of the time and effort they perceive it must take.
“It is possible,” said Gordon, “but you have to really search out your options. You need some background knowledge.”
Some students may come from a background where they were already eating a healthy, balanced diet and remaining active and they’re more likely to search for the same during their college career. Other students may not come from the same background, and while that’s OK, it doesn’t mean that they can’t make changes or improvements. They just have to recognize and find ways to replace any poor habits they currently have.
Nonetheless, knowledgeable and learning students alike will likely worry about budgeting their eating habits. This is a typical reason why individuals, not just college students, choose not to strive for a healthy diet; they assume that it’s too expensive.
“You know being sick is really expensive,” Gordon said, “You’re just being proactive about your self-care.”
Gordon added that buying produce that’s in season and shopping off-campus at stores like Publix and Walmart to stock up on supplies are convenient ways to circumvent costs.
Plan your meals
Part of ensuring that a healthy lifestyle is attainable is preparing ahead of time. As Gordon said, it’s important to know your options both on and off campus. Then look at your schedule and choose dining options that ensure you’ll be eating regularly and healthily.
“Food truly is fuel so you need to eat at regular intervals,” Gordon said.
Looking at your schedule will help you determine what times will be better for snacks and what times will be better for meals and therefore what food you should buy or pack for later.
As a general rule of thumb while planning, Gordon said that it’s important to eat around three cups of fruits and vegetables a day— preferably whole instead of juiced. Students should also plan how to incorporate proteins into their diet throughout the day.
Gordon said it’s typical for students to snack throughout the day and eat one protein-providing meal at the end of the day. In general, students should try to eat meals that contain protein throughout the day. The amino acids found in proteins are essential for bodily functions and are often taken from our muscles if not supplied throughout the day.
Monitor your body
Often times, students concern themselves with dieting in terms of gaining weight. During college, however, it isn’t uncommon for students to lose weight either. Gordon said this typically results from skipping meals.
Students who are looking to maintain their current body weight or shape should be sure to monitor any changes. Your clothes are typically a good indicator of any drastic changes.
“The clothes don’t lie,” said Gordon.
Of course, physical feeling will also indicate whether any changes need to be made. If you find yourself frequently ill or very tired, it may be a sign that your diet is lacking vitamins. Remember to listen to your body.
Know your resources
NSU has plenty of resources to help students maintain, or learn to obtain, the lifestyle they are looking for. Students who are looking for information on nutrition or other wellness opportunities on campus can start by attending Wellness Wednesday on August 31 in the UC Spine. They can also speak to members of FitWell, a student organization that provides events focused on fitness, nutrition and general wellness. RecWell has its own app with resources about student activities and nutrition, available in the app store. Finally, nutrition counseling is also covered by NSU health insurance.
Beyond campus, Gordon said there are online resources that can help students maintain a healthy lifestyle, including myfitnesspal.com (also available on an app), choosemylate.gov and eatright.org.
Remember that there’s more to the balance
Diet is an essential part a healthy lifestyle but there are other aspects of wellness that students should not neglect.
Gordon said students also need to think about how to incorporate physical activity, social interaction and emotional well-being into their lives. All of these aspects, along with diet, come together to create the balanced lifestyle we all strive for.
NSU has resources to help in these areas, such as events and programs sponsored by the RecWell, on-campus events like Sharkapalooza and Henderson’s counseling services.
Most importantly, Gordon said students need to schedule time for sleep: “I can’t emphasize [sleep] enough. It’s very important for our immune system, healing and repair and resting your brain.”
Whether you’re a new Shark entering unfamiliar waters or one that’s familiar with the current, taking an interest in your nutrition and lifestyle habits can’t hurt. Prioritizing time to care for ourselves can help make the deplorable diet another college experience myth.
PHOTO CREDIT: J. KOPEC
