Snacking Made Simple

When you hear the word “snack” what are the first foods that come to your mind? If you thought of foods such as chips, crackers and cookies, trust me, you are not the only one. In recent years, food marketing has convinced consumers that junk foods are just the same as snacks. However, with the month of February being National Snack Food Month, it is important to recognize and promote the benefits of healthy snacking!

Myth Busting Snacking

1. Snacking spoils your appetite for meals= False

Snacking, with the correct portions, can increase your control at your next meal because you are not excessively hungry.

2. Snacks are fattening = False

Snacks are not equivalent to junk foods. In fact, choosing better alternative such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains can increase our consumption of beneficial nutrients that may be low in our daily meals.

3. Eating late at night causes weight gain= False

Research has shown that it is not the time of eating that causes weight gain, but the amount of food eaten. However, do not forget that we may be more likely to overeat or choose unhealthier options when we eat late at night.

Benefits of Snacking Right

• Increases energy to help you finish your busy day
• Boosts brain power & increases concentration in class
• Controls appetite
• Regulates mood (makes you happy!)
• Can help maintain your weight
• Great opportunity to eat more fruits and vegetables that you may not eat at mealtime

Simple Guidelines for Snacks

1.      <200 Calories

2.      < 200mg Sodium

3.      < 10% Saturated Fat

4.      > 10% Daily Value (DV) of nutrient such as Potassium, Vitamin D, Dietary Fiber or Calcium.

To make your snack healthier, combine foods from more than one food group. Try these!

 

·         Low-fat/Fat-free or Greek yogurt topped with granola

·         Apple and peanut butter

·         Unsalted nuts and dried fruit (raisins)

·         Carrots and hummus

·         Whole grain crackers and peanut butter

·         Low-fat cottage cheese and peaches

If you would like to learn about your specific nutrient needs or want assistance with planning your meals and snacks, contact the Nutrition Promotion Coordinator for a FREE nutrition analysis. Please visit http://www.eiu.edu/herc/nutrition.php for more information, or contact with further questions at herc-nutritioned@eiu.edu.

 

Health Service Advisory Board

What do they do?

The Health Service Advisory Board represents the students and helps advise the administration of Health Service relating to services, policies, promotional efforts, financial issues, and what programs are available.

Tasks include:

• Serving as a liaison between students and the staff and administration of the Health Service.
• Consulting with the Director of the Health Service on policies for the operation and management of the Health Service.

• Offering recommendations for new programs or modifications of existing programs.

• Providing a mechanism for student feedback concerning complaints and positive outcomes.

• Reviewing the annual budget proposal with the Director in advance of its presentation to the Student Tuition and Fee Review Committee.

• Informing students of special health problems on campus.

• Creating awareness of both general and special services offered by the Health Service.

• Promoting the general welfare and health of the student community.

• Providing such other advice on health and Health Service matters as the Director or the Vice President of Student Affairs might request.

Who are they?

The Health Service Advisory Boards is comprised of up to 30 students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and staff members, subject to the approval of the respective student, faculty, or staff Senates as necessary, shall constitute the voting membership. None-voting members shall include the Health Service Director, Assistant Director, and members of the Health Service staff.

Are there leadership positions?

Three students are elected from the membership to form an executive committee.  A Chair and a Vice Chair shall be elected in the spring, prior to the new fiscal year. A Recorder and an Outreach Coordinator shall be elected in the fall of that fiscal year.

We meet every 3^rd Thursday of the month at 1:30pm.  Please contact Amanda at ajharvey2@eiu.edu or (217) 581-7786 if you are interested in joining or want more information.