Pat Kenney
Managing Editor
When it comes to nutrition there are a million rumors, tricks, tips and guidelines out there that cause even health experts to rip their hair out.
The basic concept of nutritious eating is realizing that everyone is different. We all have different bodies, digestive systems, hormones, etc., and we need to understand that if eating one food group works for someone it does not mean that it will work for you.
“So many college students are prepared to make healthy choices because they have never had to make them before,” commented the new health educator on campus, Christine Johnston.
“We have a great resource in Cheney it can be really overwhelming, but can also be a great resource for healthy foods – if you know what to look for.”
Cheney, along with Aramark, have been highly regarded as providing students with great food and experiences. Many Springfield students do not even realize what Cheney, or the Union for that matter, has in store for them health wise.
In order to eat nutritiously, you must first ditch the word ‘diet’. “I think diet has a bad wrap in which it is perceived as a negative,” continued Johnston. “When we think about diet we think about people who are limiting their calories or only eating certain foods.”
“Instead I like to emphasize nutrition and healthy eating because it is a concept of fueling your body and getting all the nutrients you will need.”
With “dieting” out of your vocabulary you can now focus on some healthy eating tips for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast
The main point that needs to be made about breakfast is that it needs to be eaten! Many students skip breakfast in the morning because they are too tired or do not have enough time, however as it has been said before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Eating in the morning gets your body going and allows it to wake up and pay attention throughout the day. Plus, if your breakfast is healthy then studies show that you have a better chance of eating healthy the rest if the day.
Lunch/Dinner
Often times people confuse their thirst for hunger. The main idea before eating lunch or dinner is to stay hydrated and understand that although you may feel hunger you’re probably just be dehydrated.
Another aspect to consider for lunch and dinner is sticking to only one plate. It’s obvious that one plate of food reduces calories but it also keeps you from grabbing unwanted and unneeded food.
Keeping nutrition in mind and understanding that its not about “dieting” its about eating healthy, keeping your body nurtured and understanding what works for you and what doesn’t.