Eating Healthy: A Day in the Life of a Dietitian

The Student Life section of Utah State Today highlights work written by the talented student journalists at Utah State University. Each week, the editor selects a story that has been published in The Utah Statesman or the Hard News Café, or both, for inclusion in Utah State Today.

 

Mackenzie Love in The Utah Statesman Wednesday, April 15, 2009

 

It’s midnight and a seven-page paper is due, along with studying for several exams. When most students reach for the bag of M&Ms or a Mountain Dew, it’s important to know the body and mind can work better when following good nutritional guidelines.

 

If students want to know whether or not they are getting the nutrition they need, MarLee Harris, registered dietitian, can help. Harris works at the USU Student Health and Wellness Center and does one-on-one nutritional counseling. Harris said nutrition is an element that should be important in the daily life of students.

 

“Just have fun, live in the moment but also plan a little bit as to how you’re going to take care of your nutrition,” Harris said.

 

Harris graduated from USU in dietetics and after an internship with Idaho State University came back to USU. Harris said she has worked as the center’s dietitian for about two years.

 

Harris’ day starts at 8:30 or 9 in the morning. She meets with students and covers topics ranging from weight loss and eating disorders to general nutrition questions. She also holds cooking classes, grocery shopping tours, works with athletes and helps dietetic students who are looking for internships. Her day ends at 5 or 6 p.m.

 

Harris also works with USU Dining Services and the healthy living challenge they promote. Harris spends Monday, Wednesday and Friday working at the Student Health and Wellness Center and Tuesday and Thursday at the Living Learning Center and Counseling Center on campus. She also issues a healthy living challenge within her nutritional counseling that helps students live better by discussing topics that include getting enough exercise and eating breakfast.

 

Harris tries to accommodate each student and their individual needs when counseling.

 

“We work with each person individually because some people have different tastes or different schedules,” Harris said. “I sit down one on one and try to figure that out with each person so that it works for them.”

 

Harris said the number one thing students can do to help their nutritional needs is to stay hydrated. Harris recommends having a water bottle and drinking at least eight fluid ounces of water each day.

 

“It’s something that is kind of quick, free and something they can do that will help make a big difference in how they feel,” Harris said.

 

Harris also said students should take time to plan out what they are going to eat and have a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein that will give energy and sustain the body.

 

“One thing with snacks and meals is that you want to get some carbohydrates to give you energy, but protein as well to sustain that energy,” Harris said. “You’ll also feel like you’re satisfied longer when you include that protein.”

 

Balanced meals should include fruits and vegetables, she said. Harris said students should aim for five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables each day, even if it’s packaged.

 

Harris said, “That’s better than no vegetables or fruit, so it’s OK to buy frozen and canned especially if money is a little bit tight.”

 

When students do get chocolate or sweet cravings, Harris said it’s OK to allow an indulgence once and a while.

 

“Don’t think that any food is a forbidden food because then you’ll want it more,” Harris said. “Recognize that it’s human and OK to eat those foods. You just want to be aware of why you’re eating them and actually enjoy it.”

 

Harris said students should eat what they like but try something new every once and a while. She also said food should not be worried about, but enjoyed.

 

“Food should be fun so don’t stress about it,” Harris said. “Plan a little bit, take some time and a little bit of money to make sure that you’re feeling well fueled. It’s going to make a big difference in how you feel.”

 

To schedule an appointment with Harris, students can call or visit the Student Wellness Center. More information on simple nutrition guidelines can be found online.