Dear Expie: Office Obsession and Openly Overeating

Dear Expie,

I’m struggling with motivation for my classes - and honestly, all of college. All I want to do is lie in bed, rewatch “The Office,” and eat junk food. It’s halfway through the semester, and I don’t know what to do. I’m starting to get really worried about my mental health. How do I get my groove back?

Dear Only Interested,

It’s common for college students to lose motivation around the mid-semester mark. It’s always a stressful time of year, and some people retreat from stress instead of facing it head-on. I would recommend making a list of the work that you need to complete, which can make everything seem far more manageable. Reach out to friends and ask them for help in staying accountable to your list. Then, take a shower, drink some water, and get started crossing some of those items off of your list. Once you get started, it becomes far easier to keep going.

You also might be suffering from some symptoms of depression, including listlessness, loss of interest in former passions, and loss of motivation. If this issue persists or becomes more serious, consider heading over to Counseling and Psychological Services in the Swingle Building or calling their phone at (406) 994-4531. There’s nothing wrong or shameful about getting help.

Dear Expie,

I can’t seem to stick to a healthy diet this semester. I flip-flop between eating a ton of sugary, fatty foods every day and eating only a few pieces of lettuce each day. I can’t help my food cravings, but I feel so guilty about eating badly that I try to make up for it by fasting. How do I find balance with food?

Dear Feasting and Fasting,

It sounds like you have a serious problem with your relationship with food. The first step is to recognize that you have to change, and it seems like you’ve done a great job of that. Next, you need to speak with a qualified dietician who can give you advice for your specific situation. Call the MSU Office of Health Advancement and speak with dietician Julie Goyette at (406) 994-4380. You can schedule an appointment to discuss food and nutrition and work out a plan that will fit your body and health needs.

In the meantime, try eating healthy foods that are both filling and sweet. I love fruit because it fulfills my sweet tooth while remaining much healthier than dessert. This can meet your cravings without pushing you toward sugar. Ensure that you eat at least a few vegetables and something starchy, like potatoes or rice. Get your protein, whether that means meat or a vegetarian option like eggs. Try to eat with a friend so that you have some support with eating healthy meals. While meal prepping can be difficult, there are a variety of sources online that will help you prepare healthy meals efficiently.