Freshman 15 - Fact or Fiction?

A new study shows that the so-called, "Freshman 15," the supposed 15 pounds that first-year college students gain during their freshman year, might be a fallacy for the majority of college students.

The new data suggest that about 90% of first year students do NOT gain the Freshman 15. A researcher at Ohio State University tracked back the concept of the Freshman 15 to a 1989 article in Seventeen magazine - isn't that wild!? Check out more information on the recent study that debunks the Freshman 15 and offers some more insight as to what college students should be concerned about: http://teens.webmd.com/news/20111103/freshman-15-may-be-just-a-myth .

Transitioning to college is a challenge but don't be overly worried about weight gain. Make smart choices - eat healthfully most of the time, exercise regularly, get your sleep, avoid alcohol. Ok, when I read that list of suggestions, I wonder if I would've snickered at it as a freshman...yep, I would have. But be smart, first-years. College is a wonderful, exciting, stressful time...just don't stress about the Freshman 15!

Do You Rely on the Calorie Counts Provided by Restaurants?

Researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University conducted a study of 269 restaurant dishes to determine their caloric content and to compare the measured calorie level to the stated calorie level from the restaurant.

On average, the calories posted by the restaurants were accurate. However, out of the 269 samples, 50 dishes contained 100 or more calories than posted; 17 dishes had at least 273 more calories than posted.

See more about the study here: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2011/07/Healthy-restaurant-dishes-pack-more-calories-than-expected/49517614/1

What is the take-home message here?

On average, the calorie information posted by restaurants can be helpful when you are trying to make chocies based on that information. However, there are some discrepancies in the information. Listen to your body's hunger and satiation cues. Eat slowly, enjoy the meal and don't "eat by numbers."

Real Deal on Nutrition

Come by Canyon Vista today during lunch to get the Real Deal on Nutrition.

I will be at Canyon Vista serving the LiveWell meal, dishing about healthy nutrition and answering your nutrition questions.

Today's LiveWell meal at Canyon Vista:

Carved Turkey with Cranberry Chutney:

195 calories

1g fat

16g carbohydrates

2g fiber

29g protein

Celebrating Every Body TODAY on Library Walk

Come by the Celebrating Every Body event today on Library Walk in front of Student Health today between 11am and 2pm.

Representatives from the following areas will be there to give out information and answer questions regarding body image and eating disorders:

• Student Health Services


• Recreation


• CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)


• Dining Services

Dr. Karla Materna (UC San Diego psychologist) will offer an introduction to mindful eating during this event.