Fried burritos are the number one best seller at The Panorama Grill, second to french fries, and third to hamburgers, according to Chef Alex Gomez, the food service manager.
Fast food is what people want; it’s quick, easy, and it tastes good.
“Fast food is so easily accessible for college students,” said Carling Bennett a liberal studies major. “It’s fast, easy, and they mark down prices making it affordable.”
The Panorama Grill does offer healthy selections such as yogurt, fruit, salads, and vegetarian choices.
“We offer healthy food; it’s just not what people want. We cater to the kids that leave high school that are used to eating what their cafeteria’s served: pizza, nachos, chips, and fries,” said Gomez.
It’s important to choose activities that fit into your daily routine that speed your heart rate and breathing, or increase your strength and flexibility read a report from HealthierUS.gov.
“I don’t eat fattening food,” said Bennett. “I stay away from sugar, keep active, work a lot, rarely eat fast food, and I drink a lot of water.”
According to Wikepedia the average height in the United States between the ages of 20 and 74 for males is 5’9. 4″ and for females is 5’4. So then the Body Mass Index (BMI) for males should be between 142 and 162 pounds and for women between 119 and 144 pounds. Note that being overweight is defined as 20 percent or more above ideal body weight.
Obesity will happen if you can’t eat in moderation or stay active. According to Gomez, people that eat day and night and don’t stay active are the ones that get obese.
“If you’re not fat now, it will catch up with you,” he said.
Only 3 percent of all individuals meet four of the five recommendations for the intake of the food pyramid guidelines. And according to HealtheirUS.gov, “Only one-fourth of U.S. adults eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day.”
Bakersfield College’s Health Services offers weight control information.
“Generally I think students are running around and they forget to eat right,” said Debra B. Strong the Nurse of Health Services. “I do monthly health promotions, to help create awareness.”
The Health Services center offers information on many health related issues. Strong is in her office throughout the day. There is a physician, Michael Farber, on campus Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“I wouldn’t have a job if people didn’t come in and ask questions,” Strong said.