Nicole Montero/ Asst. News Director
nicole.monetero@fiusm.com
For Jose Farrera, exercising and eating healthy are two things that help improve his mood.
While some argue that this is impossible, Farrera’s point may nonetheless be valid.
To further the discussion on this particular subject, the University’s Student Health Services is teaming up with the Office of Sustainability, the FIU Bike Shop and the Student Dietetic Association for a wellness event.
According to WebMD, dietary changes can bring about changes in a person’s brain structure – both chemically and physiologically – which can lead to altered behavior.
While certain diets or foods may not ease depression or put a person in an instantly better mood, it may help as part of the overall treatment, according to the “How Food Affects Your Moods” article.
Farrera, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism, has experienced that change firsthand.
“Being fit…improves many aspects of your life,” he said. “My mood has changed dramatically since I began working out three years ago. Now, I tend to be [a more] positive person.”
Others agree.
“Eating better, especially if you start at a young age, can not only help you feel better but it’s also going to prevent the risk of chronic diseases,” said Christine Tellez, a registered dietitian at SHS. “It’s going to give you more energy and help you with your studies.”
According to Tellez, March is national nutrition month and, because of this, her office decided to host the event, Lettuce Go Green, the same day as St. Patrick’s Day.
“Basically, we’re just trying to promote healthy eating and raising awareness about fruits and vegetables, particularly the green veggies,” she said. “We want to use the theme of St. Patrick’s Day – which is all about going green – to talk about sustainability, as well as thinking about ways to go green and just being a more sustainable community.”
The FIU Bike Shop, from recreational services, will be at the event to talk about different ways to go green, including ways to avoid carbon emission.
The event will also be hosting the garden club, who will be showing students how to grow their own vegetables and how to buy good produce when going grocery shopping.
“We have so many resources and I think that students don’t know about all of them,” Tellez said. “We want to promote sustainability and talk about how climate change can affect us. The event will discuss the future and the kind of environment that we want to live in, as well as the importance of nutrition. ”
For Enrique Montero, a junior business major, nutrition and exercising are one of the most important things for his health. He visits the gym over five times a week and thinks that it’s essential to “feed” your body.
“For me, it’s important to eat healthy because you need the right nutrients to fuel your body,” he said. “This allows me to have the energy to conduct physical and day-to-day activities. Being fit and eating healthy go hand in hand.”
Farrera shared his enthusiasm for the event.
“As college students, we tend to snack on chips, ramen noodles, fast food and sodas without knowing the harm that we are causing to our bodies,” said Farrera. “It’s a wonderful idea for the school to be hosting this event.”
The event will be held in front of Einstein Bagels in the Modesto A. Maidique Campus’ Graham Center lawn area on March 17. It will start at 11 a.m. and go on until 2 p.m. In the case of rain, it will be held inside GC.
It will be free and open to the public.
About Post Author
