Molnar outlines ways of lifelong healthy eating
By KRISTEN FITZPATRICK
News Writer
For Judy Molnar, the founder of Rosie O'Donnell's Chubb Club, her struggle with weight began in college.
A 1989 graduate of Clemson University and scholarship volleyball athlete for the Tigers, she was pressured to lower her weight for her sport, said Molnar Thursday in a lecture on beginning healthy lifestyles.
"My coach told me one day that I had to get my weight down to 155 pounds. I tried everything, but at 6'2", I just couldn't weigh that."
After college, the struggle became harder and the battle was often lost. "The people I worked with were going for fast food for lunch all the time and ordering pizza when we had to work late," recalls Molnar.
The defining moment came in January 1996 when Molnar saw her medical chart where her doctor had written "morbidly obese". Molnar knew then that she had to make the decision to live or to die, and she chose to live.
Since then, Judy Molnar has lost over a 100 pounds. She has competed in several Iron Man Triathlons and several marathons, including the Chicago and Walt Disney World Marathons.
Molnar was born and raised in South Bend and is the founder and former coach of the Chubb Club, which was featured on the Rosie O'Donnell Show.
Molnar spoke on the life style changes that occur when one enters college.
According to the Molnar, the Freshman-15 has now become the freshman 25. She sighted the fact that the dinning halls offer a wide variety of food and in unlimited portions. She also noted that college students often eat late and consume foods that they normally wouldn't on a regular basis at home.
Molnar inquired, "how many pizzas are ordered in your dorm?"
She also cited that many students' favorite high carbohydrate substance, beer, as another reason why some students tend to gain weight their first year of college.
Molnar stated that one should not be trapped into thinking that people on television and in the movies are good examples of physical appearance. College students try to mirror what Hollywood looks like, said Molnar, citing recent polls that state students' number one concern is no longer homesickness, but eating disorders.
"You've been bombarded with images of what the perfect woman should look like and it's somewhere between Brittany Spears and Jennifer Lopez. It has become a prize to be skinny."
However, society does not fit this mirror image; 65 percent of American males are overweight.
The most important thing students can do now is establish healthy life styles. Molnar stated that students should concentrate on regaining the control of our life that is often lost with the freedom that comes with the independence of going to college. She cites simple things that one can do to improve his or her life on a daily basis. When she asked how students would most like to improve themselves, most students answered that they would like to get more sleep. Molnar said that saying no and managing time are the two simplest things that one can do to achieve this goal.
Some students stated that they would like to find the time to exercise, which Molnar said is very important. However, she said it should not take an exorbitant amount of time to excrete.
"A brisk 30 minute walk is the best exercise you can do."
Molnar said students have their own needs and the key is to find what works for you. "Time is a problem for everyone. You need to find what you need to do for you and fit it in," said Molnar. She said getting friends' help for motivation is the best way to fit accomplish goals.
"If you have a friend who is nagging you to take a nap or to exercise with you, you are more likely to do it."
Molnar challenged those present at the lecture to do things for themselves and to live by their own standards. She challenged the audience to take control of their own lives and to think about what they really want out of life.
"The bottom line? It's all about you. It's not about a number on the scale or a dress size that you think you have to be. Find out about you. That's what it's all about," Molnar said.
All News Stories for Friday, March 2, 2001
