Healthy Living
By: Courtney Mueller, Zag Dining Digital Coordinator
The new year has arrived! Let the undertaking of the resolutions begin! One of the most common resolutions is, undoubtedly, losing weight and becoming healthier in general. Unfortunately, when resolving to get in better shape, people create unnecessary stress and make things more complicated than they need to be. Below, you will find some simple ways to stay on track, and make your journey to a healthier you a bit simpler, and perhaps more enjoyable!
Having access to a smartphone will make your first step a piece of cake. All you have to do is download the MyFitnessPal app, which is totally free! Skip the gym fees, the pricey diet plans and pills. This is an easy way to get started, and it will guide you through exercises and meal options without evaporating the contents of your bank account.
Search nearly any food item, and this app will tell you everything that’s in it… from calories and fat, to vitamins and micronutrients. The app also gives you the option to keep a food journal. Studies show that tracking food intake directly correlates to increased weight loss. When you’re staring at a list of everything you’re eating, it puts things in perspective, providing a little more motivation for making healthier choices. Nearly every menu item in the Marketplace dining hall can be found in the MyFitnessPal database, so it’s as easy as scanning a barcode to log a meal!
The Marketplace dining hall is also featuring Mindful, an approach that focuses on transparency of ingredients, delicious food, satisfying portions and clarity in message so that making “mindful” choices becomes second nature. Mindful items can be found at every meal; simply look for the green Mindful icon. You can click here to see the criteria Mindful must meet for each food category (entrées, sides, desserts, etc.) – trust us, you’ll probably sleep better at night!
These two options will cater to your student whether they fly solo or have access to a meal plan, whether they live on or off campus, and whether they are in tip top shape or in need of a health kick. Happy 2014! Here’s to a new year, and a new YOU!