The Rocket

Issue date: 3/3/06 Section: Opinion

Jess Rupell - Staff Writer

When I think about all the people who go to college and gain weight, especially during freshman year, I can definitely relate to why this happens. With students being on their own, choosing when and what they eat and if and when they exercise, the pounds can pack on quickly.

It's challenging for a lot of people to take the responsibility of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan for themselves when they are away from home. But it can be done, if students are willing to try.

Although Weisenfluh, Boozel and Rocky's may not provide every food choice in the world, there are a variety of foods that students can choose from that are healthier than getting a burger and fries for every meal. Salads, sandwiches and various kinds of fruits and vegetables can be found at every meal if students look hard enough. And instead of soda (or pop), try drinking a glass of milk or water instead. Vary the types of foods eaten, and although it sounds elementary, follow the food pyramid's serving sizes for each kind of food.

Even if the food servers give helpings that are far larger than a normal portion, it doesn't mean it all has to be eaten - or to limit the food wasted, simply ask for smaller portions. And just because two of the main dining halls on campus are "buffet-style" doesn't mean everyone has to eat six different things in one sitting.

Sure, the ice cream and cookies may look great after every meal, but who really wants to go home heavier than when they came here? I'm not saying that everyone needs to weigh a certain amount or look a certain way, but why gain an unnecessary 15 or 20 pounds just because the junk food was over-eaten and exercising was done sparingly?

However, if someone wanted to eat unhealthy, fattening foods, I don't blame the school for their food options. Everyone is in control of what they get to eat at meals, regardless of what's available.

In fact, the way that many eat now may also have an effect on the way they continue to eat in the future, long after their Slippery Rock years. Going from years of having their parents tell them what was healthy and making sure they got their necessary vitamins and minerals, to being able to eat whatever they want whenever they want can certainly change a healthy (or healthier) lifestyle into one that isn't so healthy.

And although involvement in a club or intramural sport isn't everyone's thing, I would still recommend hitting up the ARC a few days a week. From playing basketball or badminton to running on the track, lifting weights or attending one of the fitness classes held daily, there's something for everyone.

Why not take advantage of everything the fitness center has to offer when every student is paying to use it every semester, regardless of whether they actually do? Plus, what's wrong with staying fit and in-shape?

Bottom line - the college lifestyle can easily help students pack on the pounds, but be smarter than that, and start (or continue) to eat healthy and exercise. Not only will students look and feel better, they might even get some extra energy to continue studying for those midterms.

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