Eating Habits, Vitamins

Eating Habits of College Students

In the article "Intro to College Eating", Suz Redfearn writes about Daphne Oz, a 20-year-old who has college life experience. Oz is a Princeton undergraduate who has written a book with plans for college students to follow to help them avoid unhealthy eating habits. Her book is very practical because she herself had been overweight during her high school and the beginning of her college years. Oz's The Dorm Room Diet: The 8-step Program for Creating a Healthy Lifestyle Plan That Really Works gives real scenarios, examples and reasons why the habit start. Some of the examples and scenarios are: late night studying and talk, buffet style cafeteria food, parties and alcohol.

During the busy college semesters, student find themselves staying awake very late to study, talk and eat junk food. Oz says to substitute vegetables and fruits to keep your brain full. During normal eating times at the cafeteria students see an abundance of high calorie. high fat food they love to eat. Oz gives advise about choosing wisely. At parties Oz advises to stay clear of the junk food table and alcohol otherwise it will lead to the "fourth meal", adding an excess of calories.

I agree with Oz's advise about the healthy choices. When I'm at the cafeteria, I'll snack healthy instead. I think this will help the students become aware of the growing problem. When I used to study late at night, I would eat junk food; but after reading the article, I'll try to eat more vegetables and fruits. Oz doesn't say to stop eating all your cravings altogether; instead she says to indulge only in a while. In my opinion, it's a good idea because your body needs other tastes. Also, we can trust her because she comes from a cardiac surgeon family.

Oz also gives a list of vitamins to take such as Vitamin C, Echinacea, Elderberry and Zinc for colds. I didn't like the fact that she is giving medical advice about supplements. She is only in her twenties without an undergraduate degree. The book she writes is only good for a small target audience that will probably already know they are not making good choices. Alcohol did not seem to be covered enough or made important enough seeing that it's a regularly used substance for this age group. Overall, this book appears to be important because it brings to the public's attention many issues we