Moderation and exercise key to maintaining a healthy life
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while in college isn’t as hard as one may think. With the right diet and exercise, any student can be healthy.
It’s been repeated a thousand times, but the best thing to do is eat things in moderation. When eating out at McDonalds, order one hamburger instead of two or order a hamburger with a side salad instead of fries. By substituting healthy side dishes, in the long run, students will feel good.
Students should never deprive themselves of something that they really want.
One example is if a student wants some Oreos they should just eat five and not the whole bag.James Haggerty, who works in the Health Improvement Center, suggests that students try and eat the recommended servings from each food group.
Students need to get at least two and a half cups of veggies a day. For grains, students need to get at least six ounces. The amount of milk needed is three cups. Two cups of fruit are needed; and for meat and beans, students need five and a half ounces.
“Eating fruit every day is one good way to stay healthy,” Haggerty said. One way he keeps from snacking all day is keeping peanuts, pistachios and granola around his office.
Some foods that are surprisingly good for students are nuts, avocados, granola, and cheese. A few of these foods are high in fat but it shouldn’t steer students away, it’s the good kind of fat.
MCC student Gilbert Arredondo, says his way of staying healthy is eating food that has been grilled and not drinking soda.
Another suggestion from Haggerty is to have students buy their own food, that way they know what they’re eating and how much.
When it comes to fad diets, Haggerty said, “Students don’t really talk about those. The best thing to do is to stay clear of them.”
“The best diet is to eat constantly all day but not a lot at one time. An example would be for students to make a sandwich. Eat one half then and the other half when they are feeling hungry later. And certainly don’t munch on candy,” Haggerty explained.
Student David Mohr said, “To stay healthy I eat non-fried, low carb foods. I also try to stay away from soda and eat small portions throughout the day. For exercise, I run at night.”
Now that students have an idea of what to eat, students must also remember to exercise.
Haggerty suggests at least 20 minutes per day of aerobic exercise, but for some people that is hard to fit in. “They need at least 40 minutes a day four times per week,” Haggerty suggests.
One way to stay fit is in between classes go to the Health Improvement Center and use their machines.
Another options students have is through the Health Improvement Center.
Kelly Heikens, 21 years old and a student at MCC says to stay fit she tries to work out everyday. She does cardio for one hour and on occasion she will do free weights. “My treat is pizza. That’s one thing I couldn’t live without,” says Heikens.
Volume
44, Issue 2. Today is
Rob Neal/Mesa Legend
Skipping the fast food and eating a salad and fruit is a simple way to maintain healthy eating habits. Pre-packaged salad and fruit are readily available at most convenience shops.