Get Healthy With High Park Nutrition’s Gift Basket Giveaway!
March 4th, 2011 by Leah Henrickson | Co-Editor
blogUT is teaming up with the lovely folks at High Park Nutrition to give away a gift basket full of wellness goodies! The basket will include $60-75 worth of cool (organic) things like shampoos, teas, vitamins and toothpastes.
To win this basket, all you have to do is comment on this post, answering the following question:
What tips do you have for other students about staying healthy?
Comments will be accepted up until 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 9th and we’ll be announcing the winning commenter’s name on Thursday, March 10th. Please note that only those with a utoronto email will be entered into the draw.
Good luck to everyone, and we look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Special thanks to George and Noula for their generous donation.
March 4th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Stay healthy by drinking water and getting enough sleep! Sleep should be at the top of your priority list as it affects all areas of health and fitness in addition to your focus, productivity, and (obviously) energy levels which will all help with your school performance.
Try not to eat at campus vendors (where pizza, pasta, and burgers abound), and if you must, pick up healthy snacks like hummus and crackers (most campus cafeterias) or the fruit, cheese, and egg snack boxes available at the Starbucks on St. George and College. Their protein and carb mix will give you energy without adding pounds. And don’t resort to chocolate milk either – go with white (an excellent choice), because chocolate milk has more sugar than pop.
March 4th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Eat moderately, choose foods that are low in fat and low in carbs- lot’s of fruits and veggies and carry it in your bag- make ready to-go fruit smoothies that you can bring the morning.
Choose oatmeal bars rather than chocolate bars. Also go for the water option- drinks like Vitamin Water have lots of sugar- don’t be fooled!
March 4th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
I think the best advice to get moving, almost daily (especially around midterms and exams – it does wonders to recharge your brain and keep you focused). Hart House and the Athletic Centre have great group drop-in classes and facilities so you can maintain a balance of cardio and weight training. (My favourite is Jamie’s 5:30 pm Super Circuit class at Hart House on Wednesdays – it’s crazy!).
It’s also important to eat “whole foods” – especially when grocery shopping, try to shop around the periphery where there’s fruits/vegetables, dairy products, meat, and whole grain baked goods. As a student I love convenience/frozen food too, but I try and choose options that have an ingredient list that makes sense to me and is relatively low in sodium.
March 4th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
best advice is to stick to the perimeters of the grocery store and avoid the middle aisles! the perimeters are usually where fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy are, which are fresh and not processed and the middle aisles are commonly where all the processed and canned food is, which is not good.
March 4th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
1. Drink lots of water. If you’re not thirsty, drink anyway
2. Cuts the carbs. Cliche, but it works
3. EXERCISE! Muscle is your friend — the more you have it, the more efficient your body is at processing food (stay lean!)
March 4th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Don’t buy junk food when you do groceries! If it’s not at home, you won’t eat it. You’re more likely to eat whatever you have at home!
March 4th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
These are my own personal 4 very simple rules for staying (relatively) sane while maintaining a busy schedule. I hope they help you do the same.
1. Remember to breathe. Always. Whether writing a test, essay, or lab report, reading for school or pleasure, exercising, shopping, or chillin with friends. Everything slows down when you remember to breathe.
2. Make a numbered To Do list. Make sure it’s numbered. Put “Eat” and “Sleep” on there (see number 3). I love lists – they are so effective I sometimes think they’re magic.
3. Eat. Don’t forget to eat. Ever. Don’t eat too much either. Keep a sizeable portion of granola bars, nuts, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and/or any other non-greasy snacks beside you at all times. I can’t study on an empty stomach – except when I’m so in the zone I forget to eat.
4. Run. Or jog. Or bike if your knees can’t take it. Any exercise will do really. Daily. Your brain probably needs a break, and your body probably needs the opposite. It was the Roman poet Juvenal (aka Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis, author of The Satires) who said “mens sana in corpore sano” (sound mind in sound body). I bet you didn’t know that, so take a look at the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mens_sana_in_corpore_sano
On a side note:
Get the flu shot. No, you will not get the flu (or become otherwise sick). No, you will not become paralyzed, dead, or a mindless government-controlled zombie. No, it’s neither a government nor pharmaceutical conspiracy to steal your tax dollars. I got the flu shot. Yes, my arm ached a little. No, I will not be getting the flu this season. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor – you should probably consult one if you have concerns.
Sincerely, peace and love, xoxo, keep warm, don’t drink and drive,
Tommy
PS
1. With regards to number 3: Don’t forget to drink. Preferably water.
2. Don’t forget to shower.
March 4th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Just because you are young and fit now does not mean that you won’t become fat and lazy like previous generation – that’s what they thought too. Set up good habits now…
Drink plenty of fluids – preferably water not fruit or other sugary stuff
Get enough sleep – you truly are happier and more productive if you get enough sleep
Eat properly – well balanced meals, do the best you can at least
Exercise regularly – find an activity you like and make it a habit
Take your vitamins – particularly true for women, and get your vitamins from hpn.to !
Quite simply make it a habit to take care of yourself and enjoy life !
March 5th, 2011 at 9:17 am
Dance, meditate, sing and laugh!
It’s easy to get caught up in stress and work, so having a relaxing outlet like yoga and make sure you spend enough time having fun.
The best way to keep your body healthy is definitely to keep your mind happy.
March 5th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Always get some SLEEP!!!–> KEY THING.
Stay Hydrated. Drink WATER!! It would be best to avoid energy drinks, water is the best choice.
If you can’t fit a gym session or two during the week, then try your best to avoid sitting around too often.
Take a walk around the building, explore a bit, and exercise your leg muscles. Try and take the stairs, and avoid always using elevators.
Do not compile everything into your bag!!!
If it is a messenger bag, you will strain your shoulders, and if it is a regular backpack, you will hurt your back!—try for a decent amount of weight and carry items in your arms
March 5th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Has everyone forgotten?! Humans are animals too! The best way to be healthy is to get back in touch with nature! Everybody knows you shouldn’t eat junk food, but don’t be afraid to take things to the next level. Have fun with your food. Try those brussel sprouts, because when they are organic and fresh, they are delicious! Try to buy whatever is in season. Those fruits and veggies will be the tastiest and jam packed with more vitamins and minerals than your daily Centrum horse pill.
Of course you should always drink plenty of water, but you can add some zing to it with some lemon juice, Cajan pepper, or dare I say some maple syrup for those with a sweet tooth to calm those cravings.
And everyone should also get some sleep, this is your time for your body to recuperate. All that exercising you do tears up your muscles and its that down time when your body is able to rebuild those fibres stronger than ever before.
Speaking of exercise, go out there and get some! Fresh air is the best thing to cleanse out your body and refocus your mind. For those chatty ladies take a spinning or aerobics class. For a low impact activity you can go swimming or play water polo.
Grab your partner and get busy! Safe sex is one of the best forms of exercise, time goes by quickly, you always work up a sweat and you can never get enough. Plus the release of all those hormones will make your skin glow brighter than a sun kissed peach.
The most important thing to remember is that balance is key to a healthy lifestyle. Its ok to indulge every once in a while. But you don’t want to end up a maple syrup guzzling, spouts gnawing, nympho.
So while you are taking on the world with your UofT degree in hand make sure you remember to take care of yourself.
March 6th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Honestly, the best healthy tip I can give is to relax about trying to be healthy. I know far too many people who spend all their time worrying about whether they’re eating enough vegetables and fruits, who are concerned about their intake of fatty foods and the like… just relax!
Do what’s comfortable for your body. Exercise, but don’t overexert yourself. Eat, but eat what you feel like eating. We all have our moments where we have to step into the cookies, and that’s okay. I mean, sure- don’t resort to a bag of chips every day, but it’s okay to have our moments of indulgences.
It’s all about figuring out what’s right for you. No one can come up with a lifestyle that works for them and force that on you, expecting it to work out the same for you as well. Everyone needs to relax and enjoy whatever they’re comfortable with. Don’t eat only vegetables if they make you sick at the sight; try some, if you don’t like it, look for another option!
Drink water; if you hate water, try tea, or carry a bottle with you for those moments where you’re dying of thirst. Water’s cheap, and it saves you the effort of dealing with that vending machine that never works and steals all your change, too.
The biggest issue people have I find is that they focus too much on trying to be healthy and end up stressing themselves out doing so, which never really helps. Just relax yourself with the things that you do, have fun with your life, and live it to the fullest! That’s the healthiest person you can be. : )
March 7th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
I would say you should stay healthy by keeping a Positive attitude for yourself and towards others aswell. And then of course, eat well, stay away from fast foods or anything bought for that matter! Drink lots of water during the day, this will hydrate you and also keep you away from eating because you are bored. Try walking instead of using the streetcar or bus for a few stops and use the stairs instead of the escalator! And a bonus, being healthy can do wonders for your skin!
March 8th, 2011 at 11:37 am
If it’s called a diet then you probably shouldn’t try it! Aim for a healthy lifestyle, if it’s a program that restricts you, don’t fool yourself and think you’ll be able to do it forever. Aim for whole grains, veggies, etc. but don’t panic if you eat something that’s not the best for you. My whole life became healthier and happier when I threw guilt out the window.
If you have a piece of cake today don’t starve yourself the next three days. Start fresh the next day and eat like you normally would.
What’s a healthy lifestyle? All those good things you know about, with reasonable portion sizes with exercise thrown in.
We’re students and if you commute like I do, working out every day is just not possible. Find a schedule that works for you. You don’t have to look like a fitness model to be healthy, realizing that was another thing that removed the stress.
And once you stop stressing and just start living, all the healthy stuff will fall into place.
March 8th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
1) Create healthy sleeping habits
- Sleep and wakeup at the same time (use alarm clock) to create regular sleeping patterns. NO ALL NIGHTERS for schoolwork. hard but possible with time management!
2)Drink lots of water needs to rest! Or else your body will look burnt out! Think acne, eye bags and odd bodily odors.
3)Fruits. You can never have too many!
WHen eating healthy is the last thing on your mind……and it can be very tough to do so…therefore instead of chocolate bars and chips…put some granola bars or fruits in your bag! or instead of getting a coffee ….get a fruit salad to energize ur day!
4)Healthy Social activities
-make sure not to become an antisocial night owl during stress periods. this could lead to a nervous breakdown and anxiety. Try to fit in lunch or coffee meetings with a few friends during your intense study periods
5)Vitamin Supplements
Either one-a-day for mens or womens….OR centrum Forte will do the trick
6)Hygiene
Brushing your teeth,taking regular showers, mixing outfits etc. maintaining a healthy hygiene practice is key to having a healthy self esteem!
March 9th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
-Get plenty of sleep, even if it means juggling around an odd sleeping schedule to make up for your all-nighters. You have time between classes (sometimes) – use it!
-Eat healthily! The chinese food trucks may be convenient, but they’re not the healthiest things in the world. And don’t get me started on some of the fast food scattered around campus. There’s good places to eat too, go there.
-Engage in social activities with your friends and other students. Attending events and joining clubs and stuffs will keep you happy, which is essential to wanting to get through each and every day.
-Keep yourself clean, showered, and well-dressed, and you’ll simply feel better.
March 9th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Sleep – You need it to function, like, actually. Coffee can only get you so far!
Eat healthily – No, donuts and burgers do NOT count
And last.. Be Happy! Being happy can make things easier to do, make you become more motivated to do this.. and you’ll just be so much more social and take a better approach in life, making better choices. It doesn’t harm to be optimistic at all
You can smile your way to health! 
March 9th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Being healthy is a staple of living a happy life. In order to do so, you need to sleep atleast 8 hours a night. This isn’t easy for many students but you should make a strong effort to do so.
DRINK WATER!! de-hydration leads to so many problems and drinking sugary drinks like juice is actually so much worse.
Eat healthy! eating proper foods and exercising will help you reduce stress and make you feel so good
also last but not least, MAKE AN EFFORT WITH YOUR APPEARANCE. Dress up nicely for yourself, take some extra time to pick out clothes that make you feel good AND look good.
By treating your body with respect and taking time to present it well you will increase your self esteem. Dress up in a way that you like, or do your hair in a nice way. Trust me. These extra little touches will definitely boost your confidence and when you enjoy making yourself look good, you automatically gravitate towards other healthy choices such as eating well or exercising.
and don’t forget to smile
March 9th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
have tons of sex. all the time.
also crack (of the drug AND ass variety)
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:08 pm
[...] received a basket filled with natural and organic health and wellness goodies. We teamed up with BlogUT in their “get healthy with High Park Nutrition Giveway”, which asked students to suggest tips [...]