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Page 13 » SPELMAN SPOTLIGHT October, 1988
How To Avoid The Douglas
Spelman Fifteen From Pa § e 4
By Kristen C. Hayes
The average Spelmanite puts on ap
proximately fifteen pounds during each
school year. This can be attributed to the
fact that most cafeterias serve “filling”
foods such as grits, biscuits, and pork,
which are high in sodium and saturated
fat. Although these foods are okay in
moderate servings, these are the three
items which we tend to pile on our plates.
Moreover, late night studying usually
leads us to the nearest pizza truck, or the
vending machine’s selection of Snickers,
M&Ms, and potato chips. However, there
is hope! With' the aid of three factors:
water, careful food selection, and exer
cise, we can avoid unwanted inches and
pounds.
WATER: According to Donald S.
Robertson M.D., M.Sc., water suppres
ses the appetite naturally, helps the body
metabolize stored fats, and prevents fluid
retention.
HERE’S WHY: Without enough water
the kidneys do not function properly, in
which case, the liver’s assistance is
needed. When the liver has to help the
kidneys function, it is prevented from
metabolizing stored fat. Thus, more fat
remains in the body. Furthermore, the
body perceives a decrease of water as a
threat and begins to retain every drop.
Water is then stored, and visible in swol
len hands, legs, and feet. The best solu
tion for this is an increase in water.
To utilize water most effectively, one
needs 48-64 oz. a day (6-8 glasses). The
overweight person needs an additional
glass for every 25 pounds of excess
weight. If one exercises briskly or the
weather is hot and dry, the amount should
be increased.
NOTE: For those of you who hate the
taste of water, add a twist of lemon or di
lute your favorite punch with water.
EATING HABITS': First and foremost
breakfast is a must! The body has been
deprived of food throughout the night and
needs to break this fast to begin
metabolizing stored calories. If you think
waiting until lunch to eat will help you
lose weight because you are eating less,
you are wrong. This myth only causes the
metabolism level to decrease thus making
it more difficult for the body to utilize fat,
carbohydrates, and starch.
Margaret Williamson, a registered
dietician of the Health Nutritionalists, of
fers several alternatives to high caloric
food:
substitutes for bread:
cracko bread 4=1 bread serving
rice cakes (regular or flavored) 1 = 1
bread serving
bagel (except egg) Vi = 1 bread serving
snack food:
Fruit is always a healthy alternative to
candy and chips. Apples especially have a
high fiber content which aids in elimina
tion. They also are good to store in the
room. Also, carrots and celery are crun
chy and satisfy that urge to munch.
However, for those of you who are like
myself and have that serious sweet tooth,
there are alternatives to calories. Try Sun
shine Ginger Snaps with only 21 calories
each or Sunshine Animal Cookies with a
low 9 calories per cookie. This is a great
difference from most cookies which con
tain 75 calories.
Last but not least use good judgement!
No one wants unflattering pounds; so re
member that when you are piling your
plate.
NOTE: Read labels and avoid those
snacks with saturated fats. Snacks con
taining butter, lard, coconut oil, and palm
oil can easily become those unwanted
pounds.
EXERCISE: Okay! I am not going to
suggest some strenous activity that will
have you dead on your feet and take an
hour out of your day. Rather, a simple
form of exercise which will bum fat and
increase the supply of oxygen provided
for the heart: Walking!!! I am sure all of
us have those classes on the third floor or
need to ran errands to West End occasion
ally. Well instead of taking the elevator or
burning a ride, put on your sneakers!!! In
addition, invest in a pair of ankle weights.
Wearing these while walking helps tone
and strengthen the muscles while making
a simple walk into a little workout.
NOTE: A brisk walk before or after
dinner utilizes unwanted calories as op
posed to just letting them form into un
wanted inches.
Now no one can tell me that the previ
ous suggestions are too ludicrous or ab
surd to at least try.
the Student Government Associations of
these schools. They are hoping that this
will go into effect the second semester of
this school year.
Each Saturday from 9:00-9:30, the
children are entertained by an invited
guest who will come in to give a presen
tation on Black History or another impor
tant aspect of life relative to a Black
child. The directors want to instill self
worth into the students. They want the
students to be cognizant and proud of
their African heritage.
One of the programs directors, Tracy
Leary had these words to say, “We as stu
dents, becoming leaders of tomorrow,
must play an important role in the uplift
ing of our young black students. College
must be a reality for them as it is for us
and not a dream that is impossible to
achieve.”
Unconditional Love
By Teresa Elaine Leary
Not long ago you walked into
my life, smiling the smile
of a man in love.
I listened to you tell me all
about your hopes and dreams.
I listened to your voice
read my poetry through the
telephone lines.
I gave - and you stole
some of my best poetry
by allowing me to believe
that one day you’d write
some for me.
You heard my silent cry for
attention, answered it and
then ignored me.
As a strong Black woman
how could I be so taken
by a suave, senstivie,
handsome, intelligent Black man?
How.. .? Because I forgot and
thought you were all there was.