By Amanda Ridder |Coyote Contributor|
Finals week is approaching rapidly. Students are hustling to absorb as much information as possible while working part-time or even full-time jobs, juggling social time with their friends and gearing up for the holiday season.
There is an implausible amount of weight and stress on their shoulders; unfortunately, taking care of their bodies may be the last thing on their minds.
Time constraints play a huge role in poor nutrition and lack of physical activity.
Such behaviors and mindsets are typical, as proven by a study made by Phillip B. Sterling, EdD of applied physiology, “Behaviorally, nine of ten students eat fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and nearly six of ten students participate fewer than three days per week in vigorous-intensity (20 minutes or more) or moderate-intensity (30 minutes or more) physical activity.”
Daniel Ridder, a junior and music major at CSUSB said, “It’s important for everyone to be healthy. It encourages a healthy lifestyle.”
Students may be victims of detrimental and permanent health issues down the road if they abandon personal nourishing habits in the present.
High blood pressure and cholesterol, osteoporosis, heart disease and countless others are among the damages caused by unhealthy behaviors.
Maintaining a well-balanced nutrition and weekly exercise routine can propel students forward through their academic and professional careers. The brain processes information more efficiently when the body is stabilized and fueled.
The question is how do they implement such actions into a busy lifestyle?
The solutions are boundless, but as the saying goes, “knowledge is power.” Possessing nutritional label awareness can make a huge difference in healthy eating.
For information on how to read nutritional labels, visit heart.org to see “Reading Food Nutrition Labels.”
Knowing ahead of time what is offered at the restaurant or asking the server for advice on healthy options will aid informed decisions. Once in awhile, students can replace a hamburger with leafy greens and vegetables which are packed with fiber, potassium, are low in fat and calories.
One piece of technology that I personally love to use is Myfitness Pal; the free app you download onto your iPhone or Android, log your meals and exercise in order to track how many calories you’re consuming and burning off.
Vending machines on campus offer “healthy choice” selections that are affordable and filling.
CSUSB Student Health Center which provides counseling to those in need of personal, psychological and physical guidance is available to enrolled students Monday through Friday.
The Student Nutrition Association is a wonderful club on campus to participate in and socialize with other college students who go through similar struggles.
Take advantage of the healthier options around you just like you would when selecting the best professor for the class you need.
There is no better time like the present to start caring for your body.
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