Nutrition 101

I am an Undergraduate student at Syracuse University and I am taking 2 classes this summer. An Online Social Media class, which of course we can thank for this blog, :) and also Nutrition during the 1st Summer Session. Nutrition will count as 1 of my Humanities credits for my degree in Information Systems Management. So, anyway...I am taking Nutrition not only for this credit but also because I am interested in becoming healthier and understanding what I need to do to achieve my goal of being healthier.

Last night in class we learned about Weight Management and Obesity. I am actually also going to take a class in the Fall on this same topic and look forward to expanding more on the topic because class was very interesting last night. I learned so much during the 2 1/2 hours of class. She talked about so much I couldn't write fast enough but got some great take away points!

She explained how when someone wants to lose weight, its best not to make too drastic of changes. It's best to make slow gradual changes for the best success. Changes like, instead of eating out everyday during your lunch, eat out maybe only once a week? Or changing the size of your plate, so when you serve yourself dinner your plate will look more full even though it might be a smaller portion. It's like tricking your brain. She also told us about a topic called mindless eating which was soo interesting. She said that in a survey they asked someone in France when they would stop eating during a meal and they answered...when they were full or when the food no longer tasted good. They asked the same question of someone in Chicago and they answered...when the people I am eating with are done eating or when my plate it empty! Interesting isn't it?!

She also explained the best (healthiest) way to lose weight is slowly. No more than 2 lbs a week. You should reduce your calories intake by about 250 calories per day and then along with that increase you physical activity by just as much. She suggested that for weight management you should do about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. But if you are trying to lose weight you should do about 90 minutes of exercise a day. She also said that it is beneficial for weight loss if you spread out your protein intake. Most people, me included, tend to eat minimal portions of proteins at breakfast and lunch and then a large portion at dinner. That is going to be my small goal this week, the try to eat more protein through out the day! :)

We also were given the formula to figure out our body mass index (BMI). Boy was that scary. I knew I was way above a healthy weight recommendation but it is always scary to see it in plan black and white. I am going to try not to dwell on the fact that I am morbidly obese...because I did already know that. I need to remember it's not news to me. I am working towards becoming healthier and I am doing it at a good pace and a healthy way.

My celebration for today is that I lost 4 lbs this week! I weighed in this morning. I lost a little more because I exercised more this week and reduced my points I ate per day by 1. I believe at my weight that I am still losing a healthy amount of weight since I am twice the size of a normal person right now. :) I should ask my professor in my Nutrition class just to make sure. I'll try to remember to let you know what she says. Until next time...