Living a healthy and active lifestyle can prove to be difficult on a college campus with multiple bakeries and creameries within walking distance, but have no fear, there are many ways for students to stay in shape at NC State.

With February quickly approaching, some students are still upholding their New Year’s resolution and have visions of treadmills dancing in their heads.

Concerning diet, students should focus on getting proper nutrients at every meal.

“Proper nourishment is very important, and I advocate for students getting essential nutrition at every meal,” said Adele Hite, a registered dietician and Ph.D. student in the communication program at NC State.

As far as nutrients go, Hite said that protein is the most important because it helps the body rebuild itself. 

Additionally, a key factor in staying fit is using what the information taught in high school health classes.

“At the end of the day the answer [to staying healthy] is everything you learned in ninth grade health,” said Sarah Ash, a nutrition professor and the undergraduate coordinator for nutrition science. 

Referring to ninth grade health classes, Ash stressed that moderation and variety are imperative in eating well.

Among the healthy choices that students can make, fruits and vegetables are of utmost importance. 

“Make sure you eat your fruits and vegetables and are filling your plate with colorful foods,” said Paul Powers, a lecturer in the Department of Health and Exercise Studies.

In addition to eating colorfully, Powers also suggested that students minimize their sugar intake from sodas, drink plenty of water, and minimize fat intake.

Concerning the matter of making healthy food choices, the dining halls provide more than enough options.

Ash said the dining halls provide adequate healthy choices, and even said that those students who have meal plans are often better at eating healthy than those who have to prepare food for themselves.

However, when students on campus aren’t able to make it to the dining halls to eat, there are plenty of healthy options that can be kept in a dorm room.

“Protein foods are the most important to keep on hand, such as eggs, nuts, nut butters and beef jerky,” Hite said.

Hite also added that eggs can be kept on hand and prepared easily using a refrigerator and microwave, both of which are included in most dorm rooms.

Other foods that students can easily keep in their dorms are found in the canned food aisle of the grocery store.

“Canned fruits, vegetables, and soups aren’t nearly as bad as people think, and can easily be prepared,” Ash said.

In addition, Ash also said that microwavable frozen entrees and bags of steam-able vegetables are good options. 

Ash also stressed that it’s important to take time weighing your options and reading nutrition labels.

As far as exercise is concerned, students have many options for physical activity on campus. Powers advises students to get involved with a group of people when exercising.

“It’s a lot easier to exercise with people rather than do it alone,” Powers said. 

Laura Love, a freshman studying accounting, made it her resolution to run every other day with a friend. 

“Running with someone motivates me because even if I don’t want to run one day, I feel obligated to because I made plans with my friend,” Love said. 

Love also said running with a friend makes it more enjoyable, which makes her want to exercise.

For those with resolutions pertaining to exercise, there are even smart phone apps out there to help to stick to your goals.

“I use the Couch to 5k app which helps me build my endurance,” Love said. 

Love said the app steadily increases your endurance by having you run in increments, which slowly increase in time. 

“Overall, the app has worked well because it gives me my goal for the day, which help keeps me going,” Love said. 

Additionally, the frequency of exercise is very important to staying fit. Powers said students should follow the guidelines of exercising between five and six days per week. For students who don’t have a lot of time to work out, there are still options that provide adequate activity.

“For those who are short on time, a full-body circuit with different exercises is the way to go,” Powers said.

Enjoyment is also a factor to consider when exercising.

“I have one exercise rule: If you don’t like doing it, don’t do it,” Hite said.

Hite said that exercise should make you feel good, and doing enjoyable exercises will prove to be beneficial in the long run. 

In a college environment where it can be easy to lose track of health and fitness goals, there are also many resources that can help students stick to their New Year’s resolutions to become healthier.