2008 Woodie Awards
March recognizes women's health
By Alyssa Walker
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Features
Living in a fast-paced society makes it hard for women to take care of themselves the way they should. Going to college full-time, working, making time for studying and, on top of that, trying to have some sort of social life leaves little extra time or energy to focus on other important aspects, like one's health. Here are some quick tips women can easily incorporate into their busy lifestyle to protect their physical and mental well-being.
Consider small changes to eating habits. One way to eat healthier is to decrease the intake of high carbohydrate foods, and increase the intake of protein and vegetables. If a person is choosing carbohydrates, eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains rather than the simple carbohydrates found in fruit drinks, candies, chocolates and sweets. Eat vegetables in abundance.
Another important step towards healthier eating is to watch the amount of fat consumed. Less than 10 percent of the intake should come from saturated fat and trans fat. Go for the good fats, like monounsaturated fats found in nuts and peanut butter and polyunsaturated fats found in foods like fish. Aim for three dairy servings a day to get the calcium needed. Remember, one serving is equal to eight ounces of milk or yogurt.
Keep in mind that protein is just as important for women as it is for men. A person should eat one gram of protein for every kilogram of his/her body weight. To find your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2. A 150-pound person weighs 68 kilograms, so they would need 68 grams of protein a day.
Boost self-esteem and energy level through exercise. Exercise boosts metabolism as well as a person's mood. Exercise does not only account for a person's physical health, but is imperative for mental health as well. It can help relieve stress and improve memory and creativity. Try to exercise for about 20 to 30 minutes, three or more days a week.
A person can break it up in simple steps. Park the car further away from the destination. Walk to north or south campus instead of riding the bus. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
Consider small changes to eating habits. One way to eat healthier is to decrease the intake of high carbohydrate foods, and increase the intake of protein and vegetables. If a person is choosing carbohydrates, eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains rather than the simple carbohydrates found in fruit drinks, candies, chocolates and sweets. Eat vegetables in abundance.
Another important step towards healthier eating is to watch the amount of fat consumed. Less than 10 percent of the intake should come from saturated fat and trans fat. Go for the good fats, like monounsaturated fats found in nuts and peanut butter and polyunsaturated fats found in foods like fish. Aim for three dairy servings a day to get the calcium needed. Remember, one serving is equal to eight ounces of milk or yogurt.
Keep in mind that protein is just as important for women as it is for men. A person should eat one gram of protein for every kilogram of his/her body weight. To find your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2. A 150-pound person weighs 68 kilograms, so they would need 68 grams of protein a day.
Boost self-esteem and energy level through exercise. Exercise boosts metabolism as well as a person's mood. Exercise does not only account for a person's physical health, but is imperative for mental health as well. It can help relieve stress and improve memory and creativity. Try to exercise for about 20 to 30 minutes, three or more days a week.
A person can break it up in simple steps. Park the car further away from the destination. Walk to north or south campus instead of riding the bus. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
RSS Feed
Be the first to comment on this story