The Settler

Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Amber Bond With busy class schedules and limited options on campus, it it hard for students to always eat healthy. There are ways to stay healthy while on campus though.

Healthy living is a struggle for many. In the Settler's online poll, 43 percent of voters said that losing weight was their New Year's resolution. Losing weight is all about making the right choices and staying active.

Once the decision to lose weight has been made, stick to that commitment and be positive about the change.

"When a negative thought creeps into your mind, replace it reminding yourself that you are somebody, you have self-worth and you possess unique strengths and talents," said the health experts at www.centralhome.com.
Creating a list of personal goals is great too, like eating more fruits and vegetables, or going for a 15 minute walk every day.

Little things added to a daily routine can make a huge difference.

There are a few do's and don'ts to healthy living. Following these simple guidelines will help anyone achieve their goals with a clear and positive mind.

DON'T starve yourself. It is said that eating five to six small meals a day is the healthiest diet. "Eating six small, protein-rich meals and snacks--spaced two to three hours apart has been proven to be the most effective way to keep your metabolism going strong and to ensure that your energy levels remain constant throughout the day," said the fitness experts at www.fitfaq.com.
Eating these frequent, small meals will keep hunger cravings at bay, give someone more energy and reduce fat storage.

DO have realistic goals. Everyone's shape is different and unique, and a size zero is neither perfect nor common. Also, plan to lose a steady one to two pounds per week. Anything more than that is unhealthy and much too fast.

DON'T give up the foods you love. Just eat them in moderation. Instead of eating two or three pieces of pizza, eat one and have an apple or banana with it. Do drink lots of water and be sure to take a multi-vitamin each morning with breakfast.

DO exercise. Find something fun that you love, whether its sports, dance, yoga, or just going to the gym with a friend.
Physical activity is the key to weight loss. The best regimen includes cardio, strength training and eating right. "By combining all three strength training, endurance exercise, and dieting--you will lose weight more easily and gain muscle tone and cardiovascular improvements necessary for a healthy body," said Wayne Westcott, PhD, author of the book "Building Strength and Stamina." Start out slow when beginning an exercise regimen. After a few weeks, an improvement will be noticed and it will be time to step it up a notch during a workout.

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