"Trigger Time"

It's been a busy month or so and it's been quite some time since I've taken a look at food in the news. But today, a Google alert sprung me to an interesting find in the Chicago Tribune. The article is about "trigger time," otherwise known as the period of time around spring or spring break when many young women experience a heightened and obsessive feeling of need to lose pounds fast.

More interesting was the topic of blogs and personal websites, like Xanga, Facebook, LiveJournal and MySpace, which are being used as forums for these super-diet divulgers. For example, one group on Xanga was called "Bikini Coming Soon Challenge." That is one challenge sure to encourage weight loss and likely a loss of mentality as well.

While the upside of these websites is certainly limited primarily to making connections, the downsides are becoming much more severe and obvious. As frequently discussed around universities and colleges around the U.S., potential employers are using easily accessible information to judge people pre-interview. Now, more than just a few questionable likes and dislikes are being shared.

I am well aware that for college students in particular, eating healthy and maintaining a good body, good grades and a sustained job can be difficult, but it is possible. How? You can start by saving money by ordering out less, shopping at the grocery store more, and as I have suggested in past posts, visit Farmer's Market for more healthy fruit, vegetables and fish than you can handle. And with a little exercise on the side, "Trigger Time" in the spring can become your time to feast.