[Robert Jordan | Banner] Jerome Heidrich, junior psychology major, rides a bicycle as an alternative to going to the gym and as a way of maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.
During a student’s time in college, his or her plate becomes full with activities. With all these time-consuming projects, students have the potential to forget about what they are putting on their plate when it is time for a meal.
According to a 2013 study done by Questia.com, an online research library, three in 10 college students are overweight or obese, and nine in 10 college students do not receive the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Kristi Calhoun, group exercise program coordinator for California Baptist University’s Recreation Center, said she believes what one puts in your body can have a greater effect on a person’s body, rather than trying to exercise or go to the gym.
“If you struggle with being unhealthy, no matter how much exercise you do, if you’re not putting the stuff that’s good for you in your body, nothing is going to matter,” Calhoun said. “For young people, a lot of the time it doesn’t affect you as much, but a lot of people are way overweight now because of the amount of sugar we take in.”
As an athlete, resident adviser and full-time student, Breanne Schlenger, senior psychology and sociology double major, keeps her schedule busy. However, she said she finds it most beneficial to pay attention to what she is putting in her body.
“I definitely drink more water and I don’t drink much soda and make sure I am eating three meals a day at least,” Schlenger said. “I have found being more cautious of what I eat and the amounts I eat is the most beneficial and allows me to feel re-energized.”
For some tips on how to stay healthy, Calhoun encourages students to eat whole meals and find simple ways to exercise without overdoing it.
“Eating good food and staying away from processed foods and sugars is going to be one of the main things that’s going to help your body physically outside of exercising,” Calhoun said. “When it comes to exercising, walking is wonderful because it is easy on your joints. Just a regular 20-minute walk can burn up to 200 calories.”
Schedules may become overwhelming and stressful, but staying fit does not need to be a chore.
Living a healthy lifestyle is a choice, and these simple tips can be used as steps in the right direction to set your life on the right path to good health.
