By VALERIE METREJEAN

Staff Writer

It's midwinter, the holidays are over, the clothes are getting tighter and motivation to change poor health habits is now harder to muster.

"People are probably less concerned about being healthy because we can wear bigger, baggier clothes to hide a few pounds," Stacey Hammond, a senior graphic design major, said.

Hammond said she thinks there are many other reasons people lose motivation to stay active during the winter months.

"I think the drawn out winter quarter makes for a harder workload leading students to pack on the pounds," Hammond said.

Stressful schedules and less than par weather are not the only things keeping many students from staying healthy.

"My weakness is hot drinks when it is cold because I just want to warm up," Hammond said.

Kristen O'Neal, a junior nutrition and dietetics major, said the cold weather also tends to make people eat food more for comfort reasons.

"To decide what we eat should not just be based on how it tastes but what our body needs," O'Neal said.

Eat an apple

Dr. Alice E. Hunt, a professor of nutrition and dietetics, said studies show that people's daily requirement for fruit and vegetables is four and one-half cups.

"Those who eat more fruits and vegetables are not only more likely to lose weight, but also eat less food period," Hunt said.

Paul Hummel, an employee at The Inklings CafŽ, located at 524 W. Arizona St., said the cafŽ has juices that will provide students with their daily need of fruits or vegetables.

All of the juices served at the Inklings are made with fresh cut fruit and put into the juicer.

"Better than any juice you will get in the store -- they have no additives or preservatives," Hummel said.

Hummel said they can mix and match whatever fruits the customers want.

Oranges, grapes, grapefruit, carrots, celery and spinach are several of the choice vegetables and fruits to choose from. The fresh juices cost between $1.75 and $2.00.

Besides eating healthy, fitness has taken a backseat too.

Katie Nelson, a graduate student of exercise physiology, said the weather this time of year is a major factor in why most of Tech's students do not stay in shape.

Drop and give me 20

"There are simple ways, however, to work out at home," Nelson said.

Nelson said videos are great, but "people do not give enough credit to them."

Nelson said she suggests doing lunges, squats and push-ups.

"They do not require equipment and can be done at home," Nelson said.

Hit the gym

Nelson said the Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center now has a Fitness Adviser, which is a computer system that tracks progress with weights and cardio. Tracking progress may help students stay motivated if progress is noticeable.

Eating right and exercising is not only essential for losing those extra pounds put on during the holidays, but also to keep healthy over the winter months.

Supplement yourself

Taking vitamins can ensure that the body gets the nutrition that may not be received from meals, but Hunt said it will not help you lose weight to take vitamins without a workout routine and healthy diet.

In winter people tend to crave more carbohydrates and sugars.

"I think it would help if we were aware of what we eat," O'Neal said. "Then we would be conscious of what to do to help [ourselves]."