Living a health conscious lifestyle at Moravian College is very doable and hopefully interviews with Moravian's most dedicated fitness enthusiasts will provide some inspiration and motivation!
This week, I had lunch with Lindsay Connolly and asked her a few questions about her day to day decisions, some advice for my readers and even some suggestions for Moravian's Food Services!
Ms. Wisely: So, if I followed you around all day, what would I see you eating?
Lindsay Connolly: Well, for Breakfast I usually eat a Special K 100 calorie breakfast bar. It's quick, tasty and easy! Lunch and dinner are usually the same. I get my favorite salad from the Blue and Grey cafe. It includes an unnecessary amount of vegetables, because they're filling and full of fiber! I get the fried shrimp on my salad, as well. They taste so good, they're full of protein and it's like a little treat. I also get the allotted amount of dressing, which is always either low fat or a vinaigrette. Oh, and I only drink water! I don't usually snack throughout the day, but I'll grab something here or there.
MW: Why do you only eat in the Blue and Grey?
LC: The cafeteria just has SO many options and I always feel as if I have to make multiple trips to the different stations. There is no nutritional information in the entire cafeteria, which is usually what keeps me away from bad choices. I don't actually count calories, but I like to be conscious of what I'm eating. Plus, the protein options for salads are not good at ALL.
MW: What about on the weekends?
LC: I'm young, I'm 21 and I'm in college! I'm never afraid to indulge on the weekends, so I'll get the drunchies [drunk+munchies], and eat whatever I want. I don't want to look back and think about how I avoided a party or get together because I didn't want to eat too many calories.
MW: So, if you indulge every single weekend, why aren't you fat?
LC: I do some form of physical activity every single day. Some days, I will just run and other days I will lift weights. More often than not, though - I'll do both. But, I always do something.
MW: When would I find you in the gym?
LC: I usually go before dinner. Generally, at least an hour after my last meal, or at some point before it. It's usually really busy after dinner time, so I like to workout beforehand.
MW: What's the best advice you can give to my readers?
LC: Each small change will count! Eventually all of the small changes add up. Don't be afraid to lift weights. I've been lifting for years, and I'm not "big". Plus, it's really annoying to see such a gender line in the gym. I'd advise everyone to stay generally conscious of what you're eating. If you're just looking to change your lifestyle, don't count calories. But, if you're looking to lose weight, cut out small things - like drinks with calories should be off-limits and watch the snacking in between meals. Eventually, it definitely will cause fat gain!
MW: If Moravian could do one thing to make this lifestyle easier, what would it be?
LC: It would be much better if they had nutritional information available. Not just for some things (like chips in the Blue and Grey), but for everything!
So, if a newly 21 year old senior can maintain her body weight, hit the gym everyday of the week, and make right choices to better her health - than you can, too! We all have to start somewhere, so do not be discouraged before you even begin!
Small changes are the key to an overall lifestyle change! So, start today! Because Halloween is right around the corner. Wait for it...another Mean Girls quote is coming, isn't it?
"In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress up like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it."
Don't be the fat friend!
XOXO,
Ms. Wisely
Lindsay makes it sound so easy! I don’t know how she can eat the same thing every single day. what are some snacks that are healthy and yummy, so I can mix it up every once in a while?
ReplyDeleteThis is a really inspiring post. Great advice and great interview!