Staff Writer: Kailah Lee
We’ve all heard of it. Students come to college and just lose it when it comes to their diets. It’s not a myth; it happens. However, gaining weight is not always a bad thing. Besides, some people actually want to gain weight.
College is about the convenience. College students have busy schedules, so a quick, unhealthy meal is often the solution. Fast food is always a convenience, plus some students might not enjoy the food at the cafe.
So how do college students enjoy food, stay in shape and save money? The answer is self-control. Sometimes we must put aside our desires for a few days a week and reward ourselves on the weekends. Technically, the cafe isn’t free, but because the money is not directly coming out of pocket, we take it for granted.
The cafe isn’t always as bad as people make it out to be. Open yourself up to trying new foods and vegetables. Also, seasoning, in moderate amounts, can make a world of a difference. Baked chicken can get old, but there are people in the world who would kill for bite. We are truly blessed to have what we have. If you are adamant about not eating at the cafe, at least pick healthier options when you eat out. Refrain from ordering sodas when you eat out and just order the entree instead of the meal. If you must have a side, there are always healthier options.
A nutritious diet isn’t the only way to avoid extra weight. Physical exercise is another key factor! Most people know that weight loss is 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise. What health and wellness experts don’t tell you is that you can cheat a little more when you have a consistent workout routine. That doesn’t mean cancelling out your workouts by eating trash after every workout. It just means that on your cheat day, you can order the fries and Coke with that hamburger.
It is not an easy task to balance fitness, health, and any other activities you may do with school. Try to plan your workouts around your classes/schedule. If you’re organized now, then balancing multiple activities in the future will be a piece of cake.
“I hated working out—in fact, I would have never step foot in the gym before meeting my trainer,” said Randolph Macon student, Alana Stokes. “I never had a weight problem, but I was so out of shape. I’m thankful that I decided to make a healthy change at an earlier point in my life.”
If you cannot find the discipline or motivation to workout, find a person who does. Good energy rubs off. Once you start fitting fitness into your schedule, on top of finding enjoyment in hitting the gym, you’re headed in the right direction. Don’t be shy or intimidated if the gym is new to you. Ask questions if need be.
Remember, food is fuel and your body is the engine. Treat your temple with care.
The Hampton Script 