The Digital Student Blog » Food

Nine Steps to a Green New Year

Thomas — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:07:28 +0000

It is our planet – if we want to preserve our world we must commit ourselves to a greener lifestyle.

As we head towards the new year and the thoughts of our ritual of making resolutions, young people everywhere have begun thinking about climate change and the future of our planet. For those thinking about a green New Year, we offer our nine suggestions for a better planet.

Excess consumption - The folks at St. Lawrence University have one of the best suggestions we have seen. Citing the sad statistic that just one percent of what we purchase remains in use six months after the sale date, they recommend you make a card that says “Do I REALLY NEED it?” Then place that card in front of your credit card or in the cash section of your wallet, whichever form of payment you use primarily. Be sure the card is visible at the time you would make your purchase.
Fuel Consumption - Use less fuel – if you have an SUV or other gas guzzler, dump it for a more efficient option. Then watch your speed, forget the speed limits listed if they exceed 55 – dropping your speed from 65 to 55 will consume 10-15% less fuel, from 70 to 55 as much as 20%. Lastly, take public transportation whenever possible as well as bike and walk more. We like the goal of selecting one route or task that you will always use public transportation for, another that you will always walk or bike regardless of weather.
Fuel Consumption Redux – Reduce energy use in your residence or dorm room. If you have a programmable thermostat use it. Don’t heat or cool the room when you are not there. If you do not have such an option, at the onset of winter, select a comfortable temperature for week one, say 70 and set the thermostat. Then for the next seven to ten weeks drop the setting one degree per week. While it can be tough to go from warm temperatures to a room of 63 or 60 initially, your body will adjust if you gradually make the decrease a week at a time. Use the same method when cooling, just let the temperature climb a degree per week.
Ditch the bottled water habit – Drinking water may be the rage but plastic bottles of water are one of the greatest planet contaminates going – buy a reusable, stainless steel unit with a filter, and fill it with tap water – then refrigerate. While bottling companies want you to think otherwise, most city tap water is held to at least the same standard of purity and at times even higher.
Paper or plastic? Say no to both – buy several cloth bags and or use them again and again. Plan accordingly with your travel habits especially if you can do some biking – have bags that work for your travel methods. Also, have them handy, a couple in your vehicle, one or two in your dorm room, and another in your back pack.
Skip the incremental electronic updates – While we all love the latest new gadgets, it is time we realize that the manufacturing process for new gadgets is one of the biggest anti-green steps going. Resist buying the latest upgrades just to be fashionable, especially when those upgrades are minimal in scope. Then, before you do buy, research each company’s policies as to their green commitment but don’t look solely at energy efficiency. Examine the manufacturing process for waste.
Recycle something new – Most of us already recycle at some level, but the trick is to find another item that you have not recycled in the past. For many, that involves recycling electronic gear. Consider a national chain like Staples or Best Buy to return phones or computer equipment. Dell will also take back your old Dell computers at no cost. You can also look at local options, there are agencies in need of phones and computers for various tasks. Research options for electronic peripherals as well (batteries, CDs, floppy disks, etc.).
Food consumption – Wasting food is a sad American tradition. In addition to the food being wasted, there is the cost associated with the purchase (for you) and the land resources used to produce it (for you and society). Eat less and preserve your leftovers for another meal. Seek to also buy locally if possible to save on the energy demands related to shipping, in both fuel for transportation and preservation of food items.
Be a role model – Perhaps the greatest step you can take is to be a leader in the green energy movement. Being a role model does not mean you wear your color on your shirt or preach. It means that you act instead. Taking even two of these concrete steps and putting them into practice will have an enormous effect. Driving at 55 with friends will bring about conversations naturally – discussing where to recycle items is another natural way to promote green living. The bottom line is to live the practice so that you become an example for others.

Flickr photos courtesy of The Truth About , Home Made Originals and Santa Claus

Healthy Eating During Exams

The Digital Student — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:06:23 +0000

The StartCooking blog has a great write up on 10 tips for healthy eating during exams. Since it’s about that time of year, it’s time that you evaluate your eating habits and ensure that you, too, are eating right.

Here’s what they suggest:

Meet your daily vitamin and mineral requirements: Sure, it’s tempting to eat and pile on that weight, but a clear mind is a mind that can study well with the proper foods.
Eat real food. The above may be true, but you need to eat real food. Your local GNC store should not be your one-stop-shop.
Eat regular meals. This goes without saying. Don’t eat at 2am just because you’re hungry. Force yourself to stay on a regular schedule.
Don’t eat large meals. Eat small well-balanced meals.
Breakfast rocks. Protein and calcium cut it. Coffee and snacks do not.
Eat your fruits. They have natural sugars and antioxidants that prevent against illness.
Dark vegetables are better. Veggies are also great, but the darker the color, the better they are for you.
Gotta snack? Do it Smart. If you must have a snack, eat the right foods.
Nourish yourself with fast and easy recipes. Don’t have time to cook? Just throw everything in a pan and make scrambled eggs.
Drink! Water is probably the best thing you can have.

More details are posted on the Start Cooking blog.

How To Beat the Freshman 15

The Digital Student — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:00:07 +0000

I’m sure you’ve heard about — or lived through — the freshman 15. This is the rumored first year of college where freshman pack on approximately 15 pounds in their first year. Is it real? As a victim, I’m said to say that yes, it is. Studies have also shown that students are likely to pack on an incredible amount of weight throughout college — not only are you vulnerable during your first year.

Why the weight gain? Let’s tackle this obvious question first. For many, college is the first time you’re not under mom and dad’s watch and there are a lot of temptations in the way. Student meal plans often afford unlimited meals or snack points, so you’re often eating food when you don’t even realize it. Additionally, college can be stressful, and an easy way to deal with stress can be to chow down on some chocolate or something yummy.

Beware of the dangers: Temptations and freedom come at a cost. Weight gain can puts you at risk for diabetes and can give you high blood pressure, high cholesterol, less energy, breathlessness, and joint pain/problems. It’s especially difficult to get out of this slump if you’re already somewhat overweight — and this can put you in heart disease or obesity territory.

Avoid the problem: As much as you may hate your servings of fruits and vegetables, if you’re studying and need a snack, add carrots to the mix. Drink water — lots of it. Evaluate your eating and exercise habits and make adjustments. If you live on a big campus, walk to class and don’t take the shuttle bus. Cut some snacks and be cognizant of your food intake. Many times, you’re eating food without realizing it, and that extra 200 calories is totally not worth the hassle.

You can also attempt these other tried and true techniques to avoid the problem:

Don’t eat while stressed out. If you must have something, drink water.
Eat slowly and enjoy your food! You have no idea how much of a difference it makes to actually pay attention to what you’re consuming. Studies show that individuals who were forced to rush their food intake eat approximately 170 calories than those who actually sit down and take their time.
Don’t skip meals. Chances are, the healthiest food is available during campus dining hours. You don’t want the dining room to be closed and then relegate to the Mars bar. It’s not worth it.
Don’t snack — but if you do, go with the healthy stuff and a bottle of water.
Where you can, take the low-fat options. The taste is usually not that much different.
Ignore the temptations for the vending machines! Sure, it may be cheaper than your local grocery store, but it’s a trap.

I’ll talk about some good diet options in future columns on the blog, but if you’re concerned, seek out friendship and motivate yourself to fix the weight problem with your peers. There are a lot of students who have the same concerns as you do. Just be open about it. You may want to also speak with your campus doctor for health options. Also, take advantage of the campus gym — it’s almost always free to students. Finally, get enough sleep. As tempting as the all-nighters sound, it adds to the stress that contributes to overeating.

The weight gain is almost inevitable during the college years, but with a few changes in your lifestyle and a bit of discipline, you can overcome this obstacle and keep yourself incredibly fit during your school years.