Becoming healthier after losing 75 lbs

We know a tremendous amount about how our body works. We can identify important landmarks in the oral cavity, distinguish the differences between types of diseases and even recite step-by-step processes of metabolic reactions. With such a great deal to absorb and memorize, we sometimes need a reminder to observe the health of our own bodies. Staying physically and mentally active is an essential part of a student’s everyday life. But with classes, lab projects and a whole lot of studying, it can be easy to skip your standard gym workout or even a mundane run around the block.

Buffins: the breakfast of champions

As a dental student and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast, I grapple face-to face with new techniques, drills, and people. The plethora of information thrown at me can seem overwhelming. But performing in these situations becomes second nature with enough repetition and practice. Both disciplines helped me become more intuitive of my surroundings and the people with whom I interact on a daily basis.

During the second semester of my first year, my classmates and I realized that the pace of school was picking up. There was even less time to eat and sleep, let alone meal prep or exercise. Dental school was a constant gas pedal and I saw how drained other students got as each week passed. That was when my Health & Wellness Committee put together a breakfast event. I brainstormed recipes that were a quick, simple and healthier alternative to what we, as machines with no time, would normally scarf down in a hot minute. Someone suggested that I just make muffins and call it a day. I shook my head because to me, muffins are basically cake for breakfast. But since I do indeed love muffins, I decided to find a way to make myself feel less guilty.

Staying balanced through the holidays

For many, the holidays bring memories of frosting sugar cookies, spending precious time with family near and far and looking forward to a bright new year. Unfortunately for others, the holidays can look and feel very different. They may spend the season in solitude, or their holiday obligations may bring on unnecessary stress. I know for me, the holidays have been more difficult to celebrate since losing both my mother and father. Those of us who have lost close family members may find if painful to take part in the same holiday traditions once celebrated.

Finding a better study snack

img_3546With the constantly looming mountain of studying, lab work, and chart management, it can be hard to make smart snacking choices. Especially when you’re stressed, planning healthy snacks can seem like one more thing you don’t have time to deal with. Here are some of our favorite picks for satisfying munchies that won’t make you regret it later! Calorie estimates come from the USDA’s SuperTracker website, which can be found

Dental school takes a toll on body image

Pair of female feet on a bathroom scaleAccording to the American Psychological Association the average person our age spends 6.5 hours each day with mass media and views approximately 3,000 advertisements. Often these images depict men and women as unnaturally flawless and have led to a beauty standard that is both unrealistic and unobtainable. What’s worse is that studies have proven that constant exposure to these beauty “ideals” cause internalization of damaging standards that could lead to eating disorders, anxiety and depression.