Students try diets to improve fitness, help the environment

Students find that diets are both helpful in achieving their goals but also sometimes difficult to maintain.

George Bian: Buffing up for the gridiron

Goal: By maintaining a healthier diet, Bian is able to shred more fat and build more lean muscle which will help improve his overall athleticism

Method: He began a low-carb, high protein diet which entails an approximately three-to-one ratio of calories of protein to calories of carbohydrates. Typical meal: A half pound of sliced meat or one salmon or one chicken fillet from Safeway, an avocado, and a bag full of spinach.

Time Frame: One cheat day per month, one month at a time. Implemented end of 2018 football season.

Result: His max squat improved by 50 pounds to 365 pounds and his power clean improved by 40 pounds to 265 pounds. Bian said he gained 2 pounds, but his body fat percentage has significantly decreased.

Jolyn Tran: Eating ethically to help the environment

Goal: “I’m hoping to do my part in reducing greenhouse gases during the raising of animals,” Tran said.

Method: Following a pescatarian diet that prohibits any meat besides fish and seafood.

Time Frame: Started a little more than one month ago.

Result: Tran said she has not seen much weight loss so far and is considering adjusting her diet in the future to include chicken because chicken is also a sustainable source of meat.

Isabella Taylor: Pursuing veganism to combat industry treatment of animals

Goal: Curb animal cruelty and environmental impacts of the meat and dairy industry.

Method: Veganism: not consuming, eating or using animal products.

Time Frame: has been vegan since last June

Results: She has more energy throughout the day and has lost 15 pounds. She says she has better understanding and compassion for other people, animals and the planet.