Worrying About Our Health at College
Worried about your health at college? So is everyone.
One of the biggest reputations that the big move to college (unfortunately) has is associated with gaining the “freshman 15.” The reason I didn’t call this a rumor is because it’s not. A lot of people are able to avoid the negative effects of the lifestyle change, but for a lot of people, moving to college causes a lot of unhealthy side effects. Most of this is because we don’t live at home anymore where eating was, for the most part, not our own responsibility. Home cooked meals were often waiting for us on the table when we got home from a long day. However, the day we stepped foot onto our universities, the tables turned. We are now the rulers of our own destinies.
So the question is: how can we live healthy lives now that we are living college lives? It would be easiest just to eat Mac and Cheese for dinner every night and stop by Chick Fil A every day for lunch. However, the person that gives up on their diet is the person who will struggle with their health the most in the end. Being aware of your eating habits is not as hard as it may seem. The hardest part, I think, is finding the proper motivation. So, first thing to do is find proper motivation. As soon as you find something to run towards, the healthy part will follow.
Okay, so how do we actually do it? Well, the second step would be to realize the importance of avoiding fast food. I know that this is college, I know that you’re busy, and I know that it’s just so easy to do. But I will tell you right now that the price you pay is not worth the cost. Go grocery shopping with your roommates and buy food to make your own sandwiches or salads to go.
Third, I am going to emphasize the importance of staying active. Being a busy student in college, it can be really easy to get caught up in the stress of class and work and the million other things to worry about and forget about exercising. However, exercise is important not only for burning calories, but it is really helpful for reducing stress and tension. It is everything that a student in college needs.
At the end of the day, being healthy isn’t as hard as it seems. When it comes to food decisions, all you really need is to follow the rules of common sense. Add a little exercise to that, and you will be a strong and healthy student. With that and a little luck, you will avoid the freshman 15 (just kidding, I’m sure it won’t be a problem).