Crash Dieting for Spring Break
Author: Mykel Lindsay | Filed under: BGSU, Instructor, Science, Health, Environment, Spring 2012By: Mykel Lindsay
Intensive workouts, body shaping deadlines, crash dieting.
With spring break three weeks away for BGSU, people are cramming in a last-minute diet and workout routines to get the “beach body” look. However, while it may work short term, crash dieting is not a healthy avenue for the long run, healthy advocates say.
“Fad or crash diets rarely lead to permanent weight loss and often don’t provide all of the essential nutrients your body needs.” Faith A. Yingling, director of the Wellness Connection in the Department of Recreation and Wellness, said in an email. “Many of these diets severely restrict calories or the types of foods you are allowed to eat.”
Many students are preparing for break using crash diet methods.
“I’ve been making fruit smoothies, feasting on salads and keeping count of my carb intake,” said Latierra Edwards, 20, a public relations major from Cleveland “Since I’ll be turning 21 two days before break begins, I want my body looking ‘right’ for both occasions.”
The National Institutes of Health recommends diets that are low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
“To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you eat. Portion control is the key. When trying to lose weight, you can still eat your favorite foods — as long as you pay attention to the total number of calories that you eat.” National Institutes of Health said.
BGSU provides a variety of workout classes to promote healthy dieting and weight loss, such as yoga, swimming, etc.
BGSU provides the WellAware program that offers a variety of health and wellness programming on campus, for faculty and staff.
Dining Services offers a variety of nutrition information and has their own Dietitian ,Daria Blochowski-Dreyer, to answer questions, for students.
The Student Health Service offers physicals, immunizations, lab work, and even a new massage therapist.
The Recreation and Wellness centers have a variety of health and wellness programming for students including outdoor programs, intramurals, sport clubs, peer education, personal training, group exercise classes, and more.
Yingling suggests creating diets that incorporate emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products, which may include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.
Get fit for spring break! The healthy way!
Tags: BGSU, Healthy Diets, Promoting fitness, spring break, weight loss
