Research has shown that some, not all, of college freshman gain weight during their first year at school. College is a time of change, and the stress associated with these changes can lead to overeating. In addition, exercise levels often decrease during the first year away at college.
Why should you be concerned about the weight? Rapid weight gain caused by poor dietary and exercise habits in college can start teenagers on a path that can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and may increase risk for certain cancers (all associated with obesity).
The big question is, how can you avoid gaining the "Freshman 15"? Try the following strategies:
* Make it a rule to have time for eating and time for other activities. Avoid eating when watching TV, studying, or when stressed.
*. Make time for exercise a few times per week. do something that you enjoy!
* Slow down at meals. Put your fork (or sandwich) down between bites. Be mindful when you eat and enjoy your food.
* Eat 3 meals per day (and 1-2 healthful snacks).
* Limit empty calorie beverages (soda, lemonade) and drink water instead.
Lastly, don't freak out if you notice that you have started to gain a few pounds. Look at your intake and activity habits. Try to make small changes (an extra 125 calories per day can equal one pound weight gain per month). Start with small changes and take it day by day. You can do it!
Showing posts with label weight gain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight gain. Show all posts
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Holiday Travel... Without an Extra 5 Pounds
The holidays are here, and many people will be traveling as a part of the holiday season. Try to avoid being in “vacation mode” in terms of your food and physical activity. Vacation splurges could quickly add up! Here are some tips on eating on the run.
Tip 1: Plan ahead. If you are traveling in the plane, train or automobile, plan to pack some snacks such as almonds, dried fruit, whole wheat sandwich thins and almond butter.
Tip 2: Do your research. Before you leave for your trip, find out what options are in that location. Check to see what grocery stores are near by, and restaurants you may find yourself going to eat. Once you know this information you can prepare properly. Many restaurants have menus online that will show you the nutrition information of their meals, and you can locate grocery stores for proper snacks or plan meals you will prepare on your own.
Tip 3: Watch your portions. No matter where you go, eating well is well within your capabilities if you simply watch your portions. Think in terms of moderation so that you still enjoy some of the holiday indulgences.
Tip 4: Get some rest. Vacations are meant to be restful, so rest! Give your self a break from your normal routine and try something new... yoga outdoors (weather permitting, of course), taking a hike or meditation.
Enjoy travels and holiday season!
~Nicole
Tip 1: Plan ahead. If you are traveling in the plane, train or automobile, plan to pack some snacks such as almonds, dried fruit, whole wheat sandwich thins and almond butter.
Tip 2: Do your research. Before you leave for your trip, find out what options are in that location. Check to see what grocery stores are near by, and restaurants you may find yourself going to eat. Once you know this information you can prepare properly. Many restaurants have menus online that will show you the nutrition information of their meals, and you can locate grocery stores for proper snacks or plan meals you will prepare on your own.
Tip 3: Watch your portions. No matter where you go, eating well is well within your capabilities if you simply watch your portions. Think in terms of moderation so that you still enjoy some of the holiday indulgences.
Tip 4: Get some rest. Vacations are meant to be restful, so rest! Give your self a break from your normal routine and try something new... yoga outdoors (weather permitting, of course), taking a hike or meditation.
Enjoy travels and holiday season!
~Nicole
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Beyond Olive Oil and Mayo
Sometimes it is hard to find ways to add calories AND add nutrition. There is only so much olive oil or mayonnaise to add. This is a great dip or spread (could call it a pate' but a bit too elegant for a kid's meal). It is full of B vitamins, zinc and protein and tastes just like the chopped liver that my Poppie used to make. Surprisingly so!
It is vegetarian not vegan and pretty easy to make. Like most recipes posted here, variations are included so you can make one that works best for your family and your child. This recipe is adapted from the Oakwood School cookbook submitted by a lovely vegetarian family. Personally, I prefer this with peas, try each variation and let me know how it works. -Patricia
1 onion finely chopped
1/2 cup lentils OR 1 1/2 cups cooked peas OR 1 1/2 cups cooked green beans
many recipes like this recommend using canned veggies for ease
1/4 cup cashews or 1/3 cup walnuts
3 hard boiled eggs
Saute the onions in olive oil until translucent, for a richer flavor, saute until golden ( carmelize them). Cook up the lentils, peas or green beans. They should be well cooked, not crispy.
Toss all of the cooked ingredients in a food processor with the nuts and eggs. Add some seasoning ( a little pepper, a little salt) and puree up. If it is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil (more calories!)or water or soup stock.
Let sit for an hour or two to let the flavors combine and dip or spread.
It is vegetarian not vegan and pretty easy to make. Like most recipes posted here, variations are included so you can make one that works best for your family and your child. This recipe is adapted from the Oakwood School cookbook submitted by a lovely vegetarian family. Personally, I prefer this with peas, try each variation and let me know how it works. -Patricia
1 onion finely chopped
1/2 cup lentils OR 1 1/2 cups cooked peas OR 1 1/2 cups cooked green beans
many recipes like this recommend using canned veggies for ease
1/4 cup cashews or 1/3 cup walnuts
3 hard boiled eggs
Saute the onions in olive oil until translucent, for a richer flavor, saute until golden ( carmelize them). Cook up the lentils, peas or green beans. They should be well cooked, not crispy.
Toss all of the cooked ingredients in a food processor with the nuts and eggs. Add some seasoning ( a little pepper, a little salt) and puree up. If it is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil (more calories!)or water or soup stock.
Let sit for an hour or two to let the flavors combine and dip or spread.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Kids In the Kitchen: Perfect Pie
Pie is a wonderful thing. It can be savory, like a quiche. Or it can be sweet like pumpkin pie. Unfortunately we tend to save pumpkin pie for fall and winter but it is almost the perfect food for young eaters. It is creamy, full of vitamin A and protein. Pumpkin pie is forgiving, add a little of this and a little of that and it is still good. This is a basic recipe, play around with it until you make it your own.
Add more flour to make it a bit sturdier for finger feeding, use a crust or not. Sweeten with regular sugar or use agave syrup. Blend up those peaches hanging from the tree or open a can of pumpkin. Make one low calorie and make one high calorie and keep the whole family healthy and happy.
Perfect for Me Pie
1/2 cup granulated sugar (see "customize" for sweetener ideas)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1 (15 oz.) can of Pumpkin or Butternut Squash or Sweet Potato OR 2 cups pureed peaches
Dairy or alternative (see below for amounts)
2 Tablespoons wheat or tapioca flour
Bake in preheated 425° F. oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F.; bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until pies test done. This will make two shallow pies or one deep dish. You can also make in custard cups for individual pies.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIE
Full of Dairy
High calorie: use 12 ounces of evaporated whole milk or 2 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese.
Low Calorie: use 12 ounces of evaporated NONFAT milk or 2 8 ounces of neufchatel cheese
No Dairy (Casein/milk free)
Use ¾ cup coconut milk instead of milk. Let the can of coconut milk settle a bit and just scoop out that nice thick milk. Don't add the water at the bottom of the can.
Sweeten it up
If you want to use honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, you will need to add a bit more of flour or tapioca flour to thicken your pie. Remember that agave is sweeter then sugar and you will need a bit less. Start with 1/4 to 1/3 cup and work your way up to 1/2 cup if needed.
Crust or Crustless
Crusts add crunch and some whole grain. You can use a graham cracker crust. Make one from graham crackers or a combination of graham crackers and breakfast cereal. If you are looking to go gluten free with the crust, you can use ground gluten free cookies or cereal for the crust. Add some ground almonds, pecans or walnuts to the crust to bump up the vitamins, minerals and protein.
Most importantly, sit down with your child, eat and enjoy.
Add more flour to make it a bit sturdier for finger feeding, use a crust or not. Sweeten with regular sugar or use agave syrup. Blend up those peaches hanging from the tree or open a can of pumpkin. Make one low calorie and make one high calorie and keep the whole family healthy and happy.
Perfect for Me Pie
1/2 cup granulated sugar (see "customize" for sweetener ideas)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1 (15 oz.) can of Pumpkin or Butternut Squash or Sweet Potato OR 2 cups pureed peaches
Dairy or alternative (see below for amounts)
2 Tablespoons wheat or tapioca flour
Bake in preheated 425° F. oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F.; bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until pies test done. This will make two shallow pies or one deep dish. You can also make in custard cups for individual pies.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIE
Full of Dairy
High calorie: use 12 ounces of evaporated whole milk or 2 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese.
Low Calorie: use 12 ounces of evaporated NONFAT milk or 2 8 ounces of neufchatel cheese
No Dairy (Casein/milk free)
Use ¾ cup coconut milk instead of milk. Let the can of coconut milk settle a bit and just scoop out that nice thick milk. Don't add the water at the bottom of the can.
Sweeten it up
If you want to use honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, you will need to add a bit more of flour or tapioca flour to thicken your pie. Remember that agave is sweeter then sugar and you will need a bit less. Start with 1/4 to 1/3 cup and work your way up to 1/2 cup if needed.
Crust or Crustless
Crusts add crunch and some whole grain. You can use a graham cracker crust. Make one from graham crackers or a combination of graham crackers and breakfast cereal. If you are looking to go gluten free with the crust, you can use ground gluten free cookies or cereal for the crust. Add some ground almonds, pecans or walnuts to the crust to bump up the vitamins, minerals and protein.
Most importantly, sit down with your child, eat and enjoy.
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