Staying Healthy: Fuel for School!

By Tiffany Mathews, Keene State College
BACCHUS Maine State Coordinator

Eating well in college is not only important, it's also easy. By following these five nutrition tips, you can fuel your body with the essential nutrients it needs to keep up with your busy schedule.

Tip #1- Choose natural and unprocessed foods such as veggies, fruit, wraps and sandwiches made with whole grain breads. Eat locally whenever possible to get the most nutrients for your money.

Tip #2- Limit salt, sugar, and fat intake by choosing fresh foods that are served raw, broiled, baked, or stir fried.

Tip #3- Increase water consumption by getting into the habit of carrying around a bottle of water and sipping on it throughout the day. You can add fruit juice or fresh fruit to your water to give it a different taste. A rule of thumb is to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day, however you can also increase your water intake by consuming fruit and veggies, which are usually good sources of water.

Tip#4- Know the nutrition facts. Read the labels on foods you eat. Notice the differences of nutrients among foods and keep an eye on the ingredients list. Choose foods with a short list of ingredients to ensure that you are getting a natural source of energy.

Tip #5- Eat small meals throughout the day to keep you energized. Eating foods high in vitamins, minerals, and whole grains will help you sustain your energy. Balance your plate with 50% fruits and veggies, 25% protein, and 25% whole grains to keep you going.

For more information about eating well, visit the American Dietetics Association website at www.eatright.org.

Junk Food – The Next Frontier

This article discusses the research of former FDA commissioner Dr. David Kessler. He has begun to look into the “magic formula” for many fast foods—a sugar, fat, salt combination that may have a larger effect on our brains than previously imagined.

http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_12281394

Dr. Kessler suggests several steps that mimic what has been done with tobacco control, including litigation.

What do you think is the most effective strategy for steering people toward healthier food choices? Is tobacco control the ideal model for this health issue? What are the most realistic options at this point in time?

-posted by Tad Spencer

Phone Coaching for Weight Loss

This article highlights a study done at Brigham Young University on the use of phone-based coaching to promote modest weight loss. This concept is intriguing, particularly considering the success we have seen with tobacco quitlines.

Are there ways that campuses can utilize phone, texting, and other technology to help with healthy weight initiatives? Has anyone looked into the possibilities?

Click here for the article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/127682.php

-posted by Tad Spencer