Spring Break
Dining services introduce 'balanced' nutrition program
Web Exclusive
Natasha Pande
Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: News
| |
|
Franceen Friefield, a nutrition expert, explained that this was a program to encourage college students to eat healthy. It is a non-diet approach and does not cut out any thing but divides the food into percentage of portions.
The program works by dividing plates into four quarters in which two quarters would be vegetables and fruits, one-quarter protein-rich food and one-quarter fiber rich carbohydrates.
Friefield explained that students often try to diet by singling out proteins or carbohydrates-the truth is that they need each other. She suggested that this balanced way would help improve the relationship with food.
Friefield, author of "Fill Up, Not Out," showed that more and more students were eating unhealthy; 70 percent of the students coming into college were gaining the so-called freshman 15.
"Health status around America is not good; there are increasing numbers of obesity trends in the country. In 1985 it was less that 10 to 14 percent, in 1990 it increased to 19 percent, in 1997 it was 20 percent, and in 2006 it was 30 percent," Friefield said.
College students do not think what will happen to them at the age of 40 or 75, she added. They think about today, and today is how we are going to market this.
The general message that was projected was that children today are at a risk of diabetes and heart disease, so why not start today to improve their health.
According to Friefield, students try to eat healthy because they believe eating healthy does improve performance. Students incorporate the idea of "bigger is better," but most of the time students are taking large portions of a greasy meal, which may be extremely unhealthy.
The balanced diet at Drexel is looking to put everything into perspective. Students would get their proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables all at once in reasonable proportions.
According to Friefield, this program will guarantee shiny hair, longer healthier nails, clearer skin and improved concentration.
At the event, students in the audiences suggested that nutritionists talk to students in University 101 classes.
Be the first to comment on this story