2008 Woodie Awards
Everyday Tips for Eating Better
Professionals Office Advice to Students to Help Improve Their Diets
Bryanna Lindblom: Muleskinner
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Features
Think about the last meal you ate. Now think about how many nutrients it provided. If the answer is little to none, you're probably in good company.
According to Livescience.com, a Web site devoted to answering science questions about space, animals, technology, health and the environment, "More than 80 percent of all students aren't getting enough potassium in their diets, and many students don't meet the Food and Drug Administration's recommended levels for key bone-health nutrients - calcium and vitamin D."
Although college life may be hectic, Health and Human Performance Department Chair J. Kirk Nelson said a sound diet is as easy as ABC. Each letter represents an important part of good nutrition.
A stands for eating a wide variety of foods. Nelson said this is the best way to make sure your body is getting all of the needed nutrients. B stands for finding energy balance, which consists of making sure the energy that is being consumed is equal to the energy being expended through daily activity. C stands for the 80 to 20 rule.
"Eighty percent of the time eat well," Nelson said. "Twenty percent of the time, eat whatever you want. Pretty simple."
So what foods should be included in the 80 percent?
Swarna Mandali, associate professor of dietetics and nutrition, said students need a lot of fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates to keep their brain running in tip-top shape. Mandali also noted the need for more calcium.
"Because osteoporosis is common in the aging process, [students] need [the nutrition] now for later," Mandali said. "It's like a bone bank."
Some of the "typical" foods college students consume may seem bad on the exterior, but when given a little boost, they can potentially contribute to a nutritious meal.
For example, Mandali said Ramen noodles are good because of their price, but they have a lot of sodium. To make this food more healthy, she suggested using only half the seasoning packet provided in the package to cut the amount of sodium intake. Another Ramen noodle trick is to add frozen vegetables for extra nutrients.
According to Livescience.com, a Web site devoted to answering science questions about space, animals, technology, health and the environment, "More than 80 percent of all students aren't getting enough potassium in their diets, and many students don't meet the Food and Drug Administration's recommended levels for key bone-health nutrients - calcium and vitamin D."
Although college life may be hectic, Health and Human Performance Department Chair J. Kirk Nelson said a sound diet is as easy as ABC. Each letter represents an important part of good nutrition.
A stands for eating a wide variety of foods. Nelson said this is the best way to make sure your body is getting all of the needed nutrients. B stands for finding energy balance, which consists of making sure the energy that is being consumed is equal to the energy being expended through daily activity. C stands for the 80 to 20 rule.
"Eighty percent of the time eat well," Nelson said. "Twenty percent of the time, eat whatever you want. Pretty simple."
So what foods should be included in the 80 percent?
Swarna Mandali, associate professor of dietetics and nutrition, said students need a lot of fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates to keep their brain running in tip-top shape. Mandali also noted the need for more calcium.
"Because osteoporosis is common in the aging process, [students] need [the nutrition] now for later," Mandali said. "It's like a bone bank."
Some of the "typical" foods college students consume may seem bad on the exterior, but when given a little boost, they can potentially contribute to a nutritious meal.
For example, Mandali said Ramen noodles are good because of their price, but they have a lot of sodium. To make this food more healthy, she suggested using only half the seasoning packet provided in the package to cut the amount of sodium intake. Another Ramen noodle trick is to add frozen vegetables for extra nutrients.
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