Lifestyle Tip #1

Hi all,

I just wanted to introduce myself as the Peer Health Awareness Team Peer Educator Alvin. I live on the 6th floor of the East Tower. You know. I'm that guy that did that Master Chef thing and drew a horse on a poster once upon a time last semester.

Anyways, as we begin this new year, I'm sure you're now more aware of life as a hip, independent adult but also the challenges that come along with this newly gained freedom: Eating. Staying in shape. Feeling good about yourself as spring break begins to roll around.

With respect to these issues above and to make sure everyone is fit enough to enjoy this semester to the fullest no matter what comes around the block, I'm going to begin providing tips on all the aforementioned topics. I promise they won't be as long as this one.

So without further delay...

Lifestyle Tip #1: Measure food with your fist to help control the portions of food you eat. One cup of cereal is equivalent to your fist--a 3-ounce piece of meat is about the size of a deck of cards, or your hand minus fingers. It'll help you measure how much food you eat, but it'll also allow you to check your foods with the nutrition labels. Never eat anything that's larger than your fist unless it's lots of healthy greens (the darker the better). Click here to see a complete listing of fist measurements.

Also, if you get hungry, feel free to eat more as long as you eat less each time--even at midnight! Your body absorbs more nutrients and its metabolism increases this way (meaning more energy burned); however, just don't exceed the total caloric output with a greater intake. But that's for another time.

Hope this helps!

-Alvin
PHAT Peer Ed in Residence (think horse)
alvin.yeh@nyu.edu