Warm weather inspires students to watch health

By Gina Siemplenski

March is National Nutrition Month, the perfect time for college students to evaluate their health before summer. Unfortunately, that self-evaluation is less than acceptable for some students.

Many factors, such as behavior, environment and genetics, determine health and body changes.

“Changes in living environments, differences in social gatherings, increased availability of foods and more studying contribute to weight gain,” said Karen Chapman-Novakofski, associate professor of nutrition at the University.

However, many underclassmen think that the residence hall food is the main problem.

“It’s tempting to make a lot of poor decisions with the food that is offered,” said Robyn Kirk, sophomore in ALS.

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Buffet-style eating environments do create problems, Novafoski said.

“Buffets provide many choices and allow people to consume large portions, which is quite different form family-style situations where portions are more controlled,” said Chapman-Novakofski.

Gaining the “freshman 15” was no problem for some people, but for others, quite the opposite holds true.

Pat Devero, freshman in education, has lost 10 pounds since coming to the University because residence hall food doesn’t appeal to him, causing him to eat less.

“My once-manly physique has withered away to a putrid level,” he said.

Both Devero and Kirk agree that healthy options, as well a variety of choices, are provided, but that there is definitely room for improvement.

“I am a little disappointed in the salad bar. The iceberg lettuce is watery and often withered,” Devero said.

“A lot of side dishes and condiments are high in fat instead of low, which is where you have the option to make healthy choices,” Kirk said. “If the sour cream or cottage cheese had a reduced fat option, that’s one way that you can cut calories.”

Though Kirk frequently checks the nutrition facts online, she said she would probably make better decisions if nutrition facts were posted in cafeterias.

“I don’t always have time to check the facts online, and I know that if they were right in front of me, then I would be reminded to make a healthier choice” she said.

The University of Wisconsin does provide nutrition facts next to the food in dining halls.

“I am more aware of the fact that I should be eating healthy,” Allison Nowak, a freshman at Wisconsin, said.

But, McKinley Health Center has advice for healthy buffet style eating.

It recommends that the New American Plate Model be followed, which encourages students to eat two-thirds of plant-based foods, which includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans and one-third of animal protein – cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, poultry and seafood.

McKinley also recommends eating whole grain carbohydrates because they are high in fiber, and fruits and vegetables should be chosen over processed food and juices because of their high vitamin and mineral content, which helps keep people healthy.

“If you are concerned about your weight, watch portions, resist second helpings, don’t add a lot of beer calories, and adopt a good exercise routine. Exercise decreases stress and helps to combat nervous eating habits,” said Chapman-Novakofski.

For Some More Healthy Eating Tips, CLICK HERE!!!