Tailgating Season is Over Ladies & Gents - Stop Being a Follower
Hello
again, tailgaters and healthy platers!
As University of
Michigan students, when we hear the world “tailgating,” a vivid image of seas
of maize and blue, campus parties, the trademark metal M sign at the The Big
House and student section chants likely to come to mind. However, what you
might not know is that the origin of the word “tailgating” actually dates back
to 1951. The word was first coined to describe the act of following or driving
hazardously close to the rear of another vehicle – which I’m sure we've all been guilty of, and yet have absolutely no tolerance for.
With
college football season wrapping up, tailgating season is almost over. To
commemorate all that we know and love about tailgates as a part of the
University of Michigan community, it only seems natural to pay tribute to where
the word came from. So, with the historical reference in mind, let’s think of
the end of our tailgating season as not just a time to stop our pre-football
game festivities, but also a time to stop following too closely behind another
person’s path.
To
keep in theme with my previous posts about maintaining a lifestyle driven by
balance and wellness, this idea of not “tailgating” or following closely behind
others can be applied in a number of ways. For college-aged students who have
an interest in food or nutrition, it is so easy for us to be overwhelmed by the
constantly changing information on what to eat and what not to eat in social networks
filled with opinionated social media users also interested in food and
nutrition (Babin, 2016). With our busy schedules, it can be easy to rely on
social media messages about what and what not to eat instead of listening to
how our own bodies react to different foods. This is an easy habit to fall
into, as goal pursuits drive decision making (Babin, 2016).
What
is important to keep in mind as a college student is that there is no one
“right” way to eat. What is considered a healthy eating regimen is different
for each person. Don’t try to “tailgate” and follow to closely in someone
else’s path – what is considered a healthy and balanced lifestyle is different
for everybody!
A
theory known as “bio-individuality” describes this idea. Bio-individuality is
essentially the idea that there is no single diet that works for everyone since
people have different nutritional needs. This theory supports the idea that in
order to be our healthiest selves, we must practice consumer self-regulation
(Babin, 2016) it is essential to truly listen to our own body instead of
allowing outside influences drive us to mimic others’ eating patterns in order
to feel our healthiest or achieve a certain image.
Although
individuals differ on the amount of certain foods and nutrients they should consume,
there are certain foods that research has found the majority of college
students could use more of. College kids need a diet filled with nutrients that
provide long-lasting energy, additional immunity and mental alertness.
Think you could use some of these
benefits? See below for ideas of what foods to start eating more of!
- Oats: Oatmeal is digested
slowly so the slow release of energy is great to keep you going when
you’re feeling over-worked.
- Salmon: One of the most
nutritious protein sources, salmon is also one of the best sources of
vitamin B12 which substantially boosts energy, maintains proper mental
functioning by prompting neurotransmitter signaling, improves sleep
patterns and reduces depression. Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common
amongst college students as a result of stress, caffeine, alcohol and
sugar.
- Walnuts: Considered a “brain
food,” walnuts’ essential fatty acids increase activity of the brain and
have been found to contribute to better deductive reasoning.
- Chia seeds: Thought to be one of
the most nutritious foods on the planet, they are loaded with fiber and
high in omega-3 fatty acids providing better focus, memory, abstract
thinking and a more positive mood. Check out this article for
36 Chia Seed Pudding recipes that taste like dessert!
Although
these are foods that all college students could benefit from incorporating into
their diet, don’t forget that this is merely a guide, not a strict plant to
follow. We all digest and react to food differently. So, start thinking of what
essential nutrients you may need more of to feel and function your best, but above
all don’t forget to listen to your own
body.
Tailgating
season is over – drive in your own lane on the road to a healthier and more
balanced life!
References
Babin. B.J, & Harris, E.G (2016). In CB 7
(7th ed). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
11 incredible benefits of
walnuts nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.organicfacts.net/health- benefits/seed-and-nut/health benefits-of-walnuts.html
College
students: Top 5 nutrients for energy, stress, and focus. (2017). Retrieved from
https://www.wellnessresources.com/news/college-students-top-5-nutrients-for-energy-stress-and-focus
Gunnars,
K.11 proven health benefits of chia seeds. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds#section1
McMillen,
M.Top 10 smart foods for college students. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/top-10-smart-foods-college-students#1
Notes from IIN’s founder: Why it’s OK to quit
being vegan or macrobiotic. (2013). Retrieved November 11, 2017, from https://www.integrativenutrition.com/blog/2013/03/notes-from-iins-founder-why-its-ok-to-quit-being-vegan-or-macrobiotic
Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post. You provided the perfect balance of humor, personality, and insight. I thought the connection between modern day tailgating and the historical context was a refreshing topic.
ReplyDeleteJust as you state there is no “right” way to eat, there is no “right” way to live your life, which is a concept that has had great weight in my life. I tend to “go against the grain” and “march to my own drum” so to speak. In high school I never drank alcohol despite my friends wild antics. In college I find myself wearing mid-calf socks and flip flops on a regular basis NOT because I think they look good, but because I like the feeling. My refusal to fit into the stereotypical mold that my surrounding microculture values has often times subjected me to a great deal of ridicule (Angell, CB Lecture).
Ultimately, I agree with your conclusion suggesting that people “drive in their own lane.” Each and every person has and is entitled to their own set of ethics (Babin, p. 334). Tolerating these differences is what is important.
Check out the following TED talk if you are interested in hearing a personal account of staying true to oneself!
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVSez8AGzJM
Sources:
Angell, A. (2017, October). CB Chapter 8 Lecture. Lecture Presented at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Babin, B., & Harris, E. (2016). In CB 7 (7th ed., pp. 158). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Great post, Annabelle! This is such an underrated concept that most college students never have the opportunity to pursue. You do an excellent job of explaining bio-individuality in a non-intimidating, insightful way, while also expanding it to represent the idea of really embracing your own uniqueness in every sense. This is a challenge that I have personally taken on throughout my time at Michigan across multiple facets of my life and I am so happy you wrote about its importance.
ReplyDeleteI think a huge part of deviating from the norm and embracing individuality draws from personal motivations, or the “inner reasons behind human action” (Babin & Harris, 2015, Ch. 5). There are several things that affect our motivations as humans, including homeostasis, self-improvement, prevention and promotion (Angell, 2017). In a sense, these can all be understood as emotional appeals. For example, someone may make a dietary choice in order to lose weight or simply to prevent weight gain. These choices may originate from social influence or media, and are often impacted by the thoughts of our peers. I recently watched a Ted Talk on establishing a new hierarchy of needs for ourselves in the modern world, and would definitely recommend checking it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmRLm5qmk0k
As the new year approaches and I set my resolutions, I will definitely be thinking of your post for inspiration!
Angell, A. (2017, September 18). Lecture on Perception, Learning and Motivation. University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Ann Arbor, MI.
Babin. B., & Harris, E. (2015). In CB 7 (7th ed). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.