As we enter the later stages of February, most people have not yet abandoned their New Year’s Resolution frenzy. 

A consistent leader on nationwide top 10 New Year’s Resolutions lists, the ambition of “getting healthy”  again seems to be the 2010 determination of innumerable Americans. 

In fact, I’ve never seen the Ramsey Center quite so packed, nor the dinning hall’s dessert lines quite so desolate. 

Though I do so applaud the valiant enthusiasm for self-improvement, how long until this healthy lifestyle’s appeal begins to pale in comparison to returning to the couch with a bag of Doritos?

LENZ

Our enduring bond with food is made of many facets, among the most important being those that concern our existence. 

Food is undeniably essential for maintaining healthy body functions, and virtually every food, in its purest form, has some nutrients to offer. Unfortunately, too many equate health with having a tight booty rather than maintaining vivacity and longevity. 

I hate to break it to you, but Special K and Hydroxycut are not valuable tools for healthy living. America’s unnatural attraction to absurd diet plans stems from a desire for a simple, straightforward path to a stunning body. 

The idea of an actual long term commitment to a healthful lifestyle honestly scares people.  All the same, you just have to take it one meal at a time.

The absolute best way to achieve optimum health is through a balanced diet — diet being your daily eating pattern, not some all liquid plan to make you lose 30 pounds in 30 days.

Try incorporating more wholesome, natural and in-season foods into your meals. Think ahead, and pack your own nutritious meals/snacks when heading off to class or work, rather than falling prey to the ever popular “dollar menus.” 

I don’t care what the Burger King or Dairy Queen royally decree, a double Whopper and fries with an Oreo Blizzard is by no means a balanced meal. Are you aware that the aforementioned meal has a total of 2040 calories? Unless you’re Michael Phelps, I’m pretty sure your metabolism will not thank you kindly for that lunch. Fried and fatty food should be an occasional treat, not a lifestyle.

 General rule of thumb: the less processed your food, the better. Hey, cutting out the freeze-dried packaged edibles requires virtually no sacrifice. Food naturally tastes good! 

The internet is full of great tips and recipes geared towards obtaining more nutrients and flavor, with less toxic, fattening components. It is simply a matter of broadening your palate.

 When dishing up at mealtime, think of your plate as the House of Representatives. States containing more people have greater representation in the House. Likewise, the foods containing more nutrients should receive greater representation on your plate. 

All food groups are important, your body simply needs larger amounts of some than others. How much of a given food group a person needs directly correlates to activity level, age, gender, genetics and various other factors. 

Thus, it is crucial to determine individual nutrition standards. Again, the internet provides a vast emporium of dietary guidelines and advice for those unacquainted with the updated Food Pyramid.

Remember, eating is definitely pleasurable but also serves a specific purpose. One can meet their body’s needs and still enjoy the foods they love once well informed on how to eat. 

No food will make you fat if eaten in appropriate moderation. Take the time and put forth the effort to familiarize yourself with this essential aspect of your food. 

You will feel better, you will be healthier and you will appreciate eating infinitely more. I bid you all good-bite and eat-well.

— Darcy Lenz is a freshman from Valdosta majoring in English and consumer foods