By Hannah Lynn, Staff Writer
Happy New Year, Lions! This year is filled with endless possibilities and more importantly, a fresh start. While there are vastly different New Year’s resolutions people can have, one of the most popular resolutions is to eat healthy and work out.
This resolution can seem very overwhelming at first, as many people may not even know where to start in terms of what is considered a healthy diet.
It is important when starting this resolution to know the difference between a healthy diet and an unhealthy diet. Paige Porter, an instructor of nursing at Saint Leo University, defined what a healthy diet is.
Porter defined a healthy diet as a “balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats appropriate proportions to meet nutritional needs, whole food, variety, moderation, adequate hydration, limited added sugar and high fiber content.”
On the other hand, Porter defines an unhealthy diet as “excessively processed foods, high in saturated and trans fats, low in fruits and vegetables, unhealthy beverages, overconsumption of red or processed meats, and an imbalance of macronutrients.”
While these are the general principles of what is considered a healthy and unhealthy diet, it is important to remember that everyone is different and what may work for one person may not work for another.
“Individual nutritional needs vary, and dietary recommendations should be personalized based on factors like age, sex, physical activity level, and health status. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance,” Porter stressed.
While it may seem impossible to eat healthily and exercise while having a busy college schedule, there are little things that could be incorporated into your daily routine to make this task seem less daunting.
For students on the go who want to eat healthier, Porter recommends planning ahead.
“Meal planning in advance to ensure that you have nutritious options available, staying hydrated, as the body can interpret thirst for hunger, and packing your meals, if possible, this allows you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices,” said Porter.
For the next part of this two-part resolution, which is working out, many people find it equally as hard as implementing healthy eating into their routine.
“Short, intense workouts, incorporating physical activity by finding ways to incorporate more movement into your day such as walking or biking to class, taking the stairs, or doing quick exercises in your dorm room and scheduling workouts just like any other commitment are great ways to incorporate movement into one’s life,” said Porter.
As with everything, the novelty and excitement wear off after a couple of weeks, and many people find themselves wanting to slip into their old habits.
Some ways to prevent the novelty from wearing off, Porter recommends “setting realistic goals, involving others, celebrating achievements, and including treats in moderation.”
It is important to have a support system in this new journey, especially in the first couple of weeks when you are trying to find what best works for your daily routine.
“Remember that adopting a healthier lifestyle is a continuous journey. Be Patient with yourself and do not be discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate the positive changes you make along the way,” said Porter.
It is important to remember that even though a healthy diet and exercise is a great goal to have, mental health is equally as important.
“Mental health is the center of physical health and there are many resources on campus to help those struggling,” Porter concluded.
Take advantage of the counseling center at Saint Leo if you find you need to talk to someone about your mental health by calling (352) 588-TALK or by emailing counseling@saintleo.edu.
