February is always a challenging month to push through. It’s not just because of the cute couples who meander through campus and remind you that you are, in fact, single.
No, it’s because of the sweets. Yes, the mouth-watering boxes of chocolate sold at every functioning establishment in town.
Holiday sweets are problematic for those of us who swore to a healthier lifestyle at the start of the New Year. The rows upon rows of such temptation do not mix well with dieting and New Year’s resolutions.
As college students, unhealthy foods and beverages are all around us. They are basically unavoidable. This creates a large amount of pressure for students who diet regularly. This kind of pressure can potentially lead to the consumption of dietary supplements. According to an article published by Pharmacy Times, an online pharmaceutical website, college students are more likely to use dietary supplements than the general population. The researchers found that students claim to use dietary supplements for two reasons: to address general health concerns and for an increase in energy levels.
I have never been a big supporter of dietary supplements, even with professional recommendation. A blog post published Feb. 3 by The New York Times further deepened my insecurities when I read the New York attorney general’s office accused four major retailers — Target, Wal-Mart, GNC and Walgreens — of selling fraudulent herbal supplements. Authorities conducted tests on top-selling herbal brands and discovered that most of the ingredients listed were either false or replaced by other ingredients. Some of the ingredients found included house plants, wheat and powdered supplements such as garlic and rice.
These ingredients do not really promote the healthy and natural facade as advertised by companies. It is ridiculous that so many of today’s edible products are manufactured and altered to the point where we have to question: Is this even food anymore? But, unfortunately, these issues seem to be unavoidable from all food production companies, not just supplement manufacturers.
Dietary supplements and other forms of enhancement drugs are not necessary to have a healthy lifestyle. Nor are they necessary to transform the human body. Vitamin C chewable tablets are my only personal exception.
Living a healthy lifestyle is attainable with sufficient amounts of nutrition, sleep and exercise.
General health concerns and energy levels would naturally increase if these three factors were prominent in an individual’s everyday routine.
I would advise students to form their own healthy lifestyles by monitoring their diet and sleep schedules, as well as exercising regularly. That way, misleading products can be avoided and lifelong patterns not established. College seems to be the time when patterns are formed, so consider creating some of value that will promote a natural, healthy lifestyle no matter what age you are.
I mean, eating a Relish burger from time to time is not going to harm the body too much. But if it happens — which I’m more than 100 percent positive it will on a Friday night — turn to the gym the next day or eat a healthy dinner. Dietary supplements and enhancements have been proven to be misleading and unhealthy. Instead, take control of your own general health in a more natural manner.
This way, 2015 New Year’s resolutions will not have to be repeated when 2016 comes around, and healthier choices can become a part of your routine.
Grace Hudgins is a UF journalism junior. Her column appears on Wednesdays.
[A version of this story ran on page 7 on 2/18/2015 under the headline “Supplements not required to be healthy"]
