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Staying
Healthy at Smith
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Kelly Coffey, www.strongcoffey.com,
(413) 687-2543, strongcoffey@gmail.com
Robin Maltz,
(413) 584-5857, robinmaltz@verizon.net
Rosalie J. Peri,
R.N., (413) 221-0019, rolsalieperi@hotmail.com
Joan Kosa Griswold,
(413) 268-7482, joan@bybhealth.com |
Kelly Coffey ’02
is one of several personal trainers who offer assistance
to people in the Smith community with getting in better
shape. Coffey, who once weighed in at more than 300 pounds,
knows what putting on pounds in college is all about.
As an authority on the subject, she offers:
by Kelly Coffey
Temptation, thy name is
Freshman Year: New digs, new food options, and sometimes
a few new pounds. Who hasn’t
heard of the “Freshman Fifteen,” right? Truth
is, a little weight gain is expected during such a transitory
time, and is fine if it’s put on in a healthy way and
stays within a healthy range. The following suggestions can
help you form good college-time habits, ones that will keep
you in the pink not just weight-wise, but mentally and emotionally
as well.
1. Explore.
College is a time of intense learning, and a measure of that
learning happens in the dining hall. Try taking small portions
of experimental items. If you don’t like it, don’t
eat it. Once you know what you like, stick to it.
2. Compete.
Try a new sport! Take it from this alum: sports will never
be more available to you, and they’ll never be more
fun. Not only can sports help you to stay healthy and fit,
they can also be catalysts to new friendships and passions.
3. Anticipate.
If you know you’ll be hurtin’ for a snack in
the wee hours, grab an apple or two for the road at mealtime.
If you have a good, nutritious snack at the ready, you’re
a lot less likely to call Domino’s.
4. Eat.
If micro-mini portions are all you’re taking in, your
body may flip into famine mode, desperately clinging to every
morsel you consume. Supply it with a steady stream of nutritious
food, and your body’ll torch carbs and fats with reckless
abandon.
5. Relate.
All of us want to stay healthy. Find a like-minded wellness
buddy and support one another’s efforts to eat well
and exercise. Chat goals, hold one another accountable,
and egg each other on!
 6. Notice.
Girl answers phone while reaching into a bag of Cheetos.
Two life updates later, the Cheetos are a distant memory.
We’re often unaware of what we’re eating because
we’re distracted. Paying attention can save you lots
of unnecessary (read: unhealthy) calories.
7. Sweat.
We often crave more of what we consume in stressful times.
Next time you’re stressed, take in something it will
only serve you to crave more of: Oxygen. Walk. Run. Scan
the athletics website for facility hours, classes and activity-related
events.
8. Nap.
Napping is simple, it’s free, and it can supply you
with real energy, unlike the sugary snacks we often turn
to in the afternoon slump. Just 15 minutes of good, vertical
quiet time can invigorate, give you more clarity, and vastly
improve your dinner-time conversation skills.
9. Talk.
Few things are as effective at making something a reality
like talking about it. If your goal is to be a healthy
and active First Year, mention your intentions to a friend,
a housemate, or someone else you feel comfortable with.
10. Be.
Scholastic pressure, peer pressure, meetings, parties...
Maintain sanity and balance, and keep comfort-food cravings
at bay, by carving out ample time to relax, breathe, and
be your own best company.
11. Tea.
Pastries and cookies and cake, oh my! Here’s a novel
idea: at Tea, stick to the tea. This suggestion alone is
likely to save you a pound or two.
12. Plan.
Plan for, and let yourself really enjoy, a once-weekly indulgence
meal. You’ll still feel in control, and the reward
will keep you from feeling deprived and subsequently going
off the deep end.
13. Do.
When you feel yourself being pulled to the dessert table,
let that momentum lead you somewhere else. Imagine how
terrific you’d feel if you got something small accomplished
every evening right after dinner.
14. Relish.
We’re often quick to criticize ourselves for doing
something “wrong,” and miss when we do something
great. Each time you make a healthy choice for yourself and
your body, take a moment to lavish yourself in (perhaps silent)
praise.
15. Train.
Think of personal trainers as fitness tutors. Whether your
goal involves your weight, strength or endurance training
or flexibility, a personal trainer can significantly increase
your odds of success. For-hire trainers are available for
the absolute beginner (that would be me!) through the seasoned
athlete (see below).
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