Weight Management

Wouldn't it be great if we posted the magic weight loss (or gain) formula right here on this web page? Sorry- it's not our philosophy to mislead you. But there are a lot of tools to help you reach a healthy weight for your own body type- we've listed three important skills here.

If it is a matter of serious concern for you, please contact dining@berkeley.edu, to set up an individual appointment to talk through your concerns.

A Healthy Image
By far the most important weight management tool you can have is a healthy and realistic expectation for yourself. Despite what popular media might suggest, not everyone should be a size 2 or built like a professional athlete. For many people, in fact, that would be unhealthy- even dangerous. Oftentimes, it is more important to redefine what your image of a healthy body is, than to unhealthily starve or gorge your way into the size you've been told society or some one is right.

A Healthy Weight
So, how do you know what a healthy weight is? Well, if you are exercising regularly, eating when you are hungry, eating slowly and stopping eating when you are comfortable - you are well on your way to a healthy weight. Throw enough fiber, water, fruits and vegetables in the mix and over time, voila! Your own, personalized healthy weight!

Intuitive Eating
With hectic college schedules, cramming meals in between classes, late-night studying, even later night socializing- there are so many reasons for students to skip meals when they are hungry and eat snacks when they aren't. Making eating decisions- what, when and how much- based on hunger can be surprisingly difficult; it often requires paying close attention to (and acting on!) internal cues and making schedule adjustments.

Foods that Grow
In the right doses, most foods can be considered healthy for you. However, as a general rule (which certainly can have exceptions) the less processed a food is, the more healthful. Less processed foods are likely to have more vitamins, minerals and fiber and less added fats or sugars.

All food, at some point, was grown. The trick is to remember that the closer it is to its natural form, chances are, the more healthy it is. For example, a banana is healthier than a banana cream pie, milk is healthier than ice cream. And while banana cream pie and ice cream can certainly have a place in a healthy diet- making sure to eat more of the bananas and milk - or their equivalents in wholesomeness- is important in maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight.