Nutrition is a funny thing; people are incredibly sensitive and defensive. No one wants to feel judged for the way that they eat, regardless of whether or not it’s healthy. And in today’s world, more often than not you will get a comment about a plate filled with broccoli rather than a plate filled with donuts.
When it comes to nutrition, people are quick to make excuses, to claim that they have no time, no cooking creativity, or would miss certain foods from their diet. I’m here to tell that it’s not that hard (can you tell that I’m the resident bossypants of my family?). I’m a 21-year-old college student who has two and a half jobs and still tries to have a social life (lies, I just nap and knit by myself). And I’m the only one in my family who eats “clean.” So while their plates are filled with loaves of bread, mine looks like a small farm. My apartment perpetually smells like meat. So this means I make 98% of my own meals and I officially have enough Tupperware to rival any soccer mom.
And I’m definitely odd man out amongst my college friends. Being in college is supposed to be about the freshman fifteen, late night orders of cookies, cheap alcohol and pizza as the crux of a balanced diet. I may or may not get funny looks from my friends when we go to Burger and I order the lettuce wrapped triple patty with bacon. (Only in Santa Cruz would you get odd looks for eating Paleo or Zone rather than eating Vegan.)
Nutrition is often overlooked, especially when you’re younger (and have a kickass metabolism in your favor, you stupid boys, you). But did you know that your improvements and body physique is attributed to 20% physical activity and 80% nutrition (I’m clearly becoming the Factoid Queen). This means that nutrition is a key component of feeling great. This also means that my plate full of meat and veggies is more likely than an extra set of sit ups to lead me down the road of six packness (It will. Believe.)
The one thing I know to be true is that I will be spending the rest of my life with myself. So therefore I’m going to eat how I want to eat. Sure, there will be treats and veering off the path, but ultimately I’m in charge of making the decisions when it comes to nutrition, no matter how many judgmental looks from my vegan friends that I get.
But really, at the end of the day, it’s your body and your life. Everyone’s body is different and you have to find what works for you. Just don’t forget that you’re the one making the decisions, no one else.
-Kelsey K
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