College life is often known for unhealthy choices. The term “Freshman 15” and “Senior Slump” sum up what we have to look forward to on this glorious journey toward knowledge. Whether it is a result of the endless buffet in the cafeteria, munching during an all-night study session or Fourth Meal at Taco Bell after a night of calorie-filled cocktails, it is almost impossible to stay healthy.
With the start of a new year, it is only typical that we make resolutions. In January, we constantly hear the phrase “I’ll start my diet…tomorrow,” but people often fall back into old habits and never reach that full potential and “rockin’ bod.”
In the Student Publications office, we have set up a competition similar to “The Biggest Loser” called “Colonel Slim Down.” Each participant has chosen a “competition name” to represent their unhealthy lifestyle, and every Tuesday, which is our deadline day at The Nicholls Worth, everyone will weigh in and record their weight to be published in Thursday’s issue.
With 10 participants each giving $10 to the prize pool, the prize will be $100.
In the May 2 issue of The Nicholls Worth, we will divide each starting weight with the end weight and take the percentage as the score. The participant with the largest percentage of weight loss is the winner.
The competition is meant to serve as a motivational and educational tool for participants and readers. If it is clear that we are doing the work associated with the healthy tips we provide, it will be easier to trust the articles and follow us on the journey.
Each week, we will feature the healthy options that we try, including popular workout videos, healthy eating habits, how to avoid and conquer cravings and portion control. We will discuss the positives and negatives of different weight-loss tactics and the choices that keep us going.
A semester can seem like a long time to stay motivated for a weight-loss challenge, especially for those who tend to lose weight slowly or have a hectic schedule. Every body type is different so each weight-loss method will be unique. The key is to continuously encourage each other and share the tricks that are creating positive results. Find an on-campus fitness buddy to hit the gym with when you need a study break or take a brisk walk on campus. Some movement is always better than no movement at all.
It is not about being skinny; it is about being healthy.