On eating healthy and being healthy
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Being healthy is hard. End of story. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a celebrity with a personal trainer and chef, or supremely neurotic.
To top it off, we are in college which, by default, makes treating our bodies right that much harder. My first semester in college I spent nearly 200 debit dollars on M&M’s (this is very sadly true). I helped the M&M’s along with frequent Kleiner grilled cheeses and never missed an opportunity for ice cream at Fresh. Besides the obvious downsides of the 10-15 pounds that took up residence on my butt, I didn’t feel good or healthy, and I was really hurting my body.
These days Michigan has the honor of being the ninth fattest state in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report, and experts predict that Michigander’s won’t be reaching for the celery sticks any time soon. With these disturbing numbers come the facts that weight related diabetes and physical inactivity are on the rise in our beloved state as well. How do we put a stop to this? By literally getting up, putting one foot in front of the other, and by starting to eat a normal, healthy diet.
I know, it’s easier said than done- no one says to themselves (while reaching for a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos), “If I eat this I will become obese.” In fact most of you probably won’t. Most of you will probably just throw an extra workout in your routine, or count on a decent metabolism to take care of the unnecessary calories.
But some of you will reach for those Doritos every day, and, before you know it, you will be facing heart disease or having a stroke. What if you had made the habit of reaching for some unsalted trail mix instead, or a low-fat yogurt? You don’t have to become a total rabbit to be healthier, you just have to make a few sacrifices in your normal eating routine. If you have an unmanageable sweet tooth (like yours truly) save the Dairy Queen trips for special occasions and switch to low-fat popsicles. If I can do it, anyone can.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get your butt in gear. So what if you think you can’t run (you totally can), go for long walks instead. Walk through the ravines under the Mackinac bridge- there are a million logs/swampy muddy areas and it’s great to get back in touch with your 5-year-old self as you navigate your way through the bumpy terrain.
I will say it again, being healthy is hard- but so worth the effort. We have to stop Michigan’s downward health spiral, and we have to start the battle at the individual level. Make a few small lifestyle changes, and let the freshman (or sophmore, or junior, or senior) fifteen (pounds, that is) stay the stuff of legends.
ccolleran@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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All day | The 5th Annual Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Academy
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
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All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
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