An Experience Like No Other

This weekend marks the end of my Magellan Project. I am definitely tired out after all the traveling, but I feel like I have grown so much just in these past few weeks. From gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse nutritional patterns present in America and their connection to overall health, to learning what it is like to be on a large university or hospital campus, to experiencing true independence in various traveling situations, this project has pushed me to become a stronger person who I hope is more empathetic and filled with a greater desire to fight against the trends that are becoming more and more manifest here in the states. I am so thankful to W&J and the whole Magellan Advising Team for this incredible opportunity, and I also extend such gratitude to all of the professors and health professionals that sat down with me to give insights into my topic. I definitely encourage other students to pursue this one-of-a-kind experience to grow through independence, creativity, and curiosity!

Can you decipher the city in the distance here? Hint: it wasn't a city in which I did research; I just caught a connecting flight here

Say hello to the penguins from Syracuse!

Before I end this journey, I think it is fitting to share some of the most highly recommended nutritional tips I have received from the interviewees. According to the professionals, some of the best advice seems to be: -Foods that we think of as "bad" (AKA unhealthy) need not be deemed so harshly; every food is within limits as long as we keep it in moderation. It is even evolutionarily adaptive to desire sweet foods because they are more nutrient-dense and less likely to be toxic! No need to obsess over counting or dieting since this can in itself lead to consequential psychological ramifications.

-That being said, it is also important to be cognizant of foods that "hide" secret ingredients in large amounts; for instance, deli meats are packed with excess sodium. Read labels!

-Stay close to the edges of the grocery store, where items such as fresh produce and other higher quality poultry and dairy seem to be located.

-Stop taking foods that are naturally healthy and completely ruining their benefits; for instance, instead of taking whole grain oats and smothering them with brown sugar, honey, and chocolate chips, consider eating them with spiced yogurt and fresh berries.

-Take care of your whole self: the mind, body, and soul are not just separate entities working independently of each other. A well-fueled body is a great way to promote a healthier you.

-Finally, try to eat food like your grandparents made it, the way God intended it to be! The more natural, the better.

Thank you all for sticking with me on this exciting trip! I'm so glad we have learned together. Now that we have unpacked today's lunch, I hope we are equipped to repack it for a better tomorrow...

Here's to big smiles, good health, and a happy heart,

Matthias