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Hey there, Luxeathoners! As we gear up for life’s ultimate marathon, let’s make sure we’re fueling both body and mind for the journey ahead, especially as we tackle those crucial first few miles.
This month, we’re all about diving into the goodness of wholesome eats, staying hydrated, and finding those energizing activities. When we prioritize good nutrition, we’re arming ourselves with the stamina and grit needed to face life’s challenges head-on. Just like prepping for a big race, this time is all about getting us ready to handle whatever life throws our way!
This month during heart health month, don’t be afraid to dive into your favorite dark chocolate sweets. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can help reduce the risk of heart disease. During our monthly campaign we will share delicious dark chocolate recipes that are great for heart and sweet tooth!
Salmon is renowned for its rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health by lowering inflammation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, salmon is packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins like vitamin D, and minerals such as selenium, all of which support optimal body function and overall well-being. Incorporating salmon into your diet can promote brain health, improve mood, and enhance overall vitality.
Single or Not encourages guests to embrace a minimalist lifestyle by reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling to minimize their environmental impact. From reusable bags and straws to mugs, every small change contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.
Fostering a Supportive
College life should be rewarding. The rewards can come from passing a test or gaining admission to an organization. However, with rewards, there could be some challenges. The challenges may include submitting an assignment past its due date, risking a lower grade than expected, or getting sick right before homecoming season and not being able to participate in the festivities. Yet, during your college years, it’s crucial to strike a balance between academic commitments and leisure activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Exploring different creative outlets in college could be the spark you need to finish the semester strong. You may even find your tribe that will push you to greatness. Consider going to welcome meetings or participating in events that you are interested in to start getting an idea of what you like or enjoy doing. Being a part of one or multiple organizations can give you a sense of identity and a strong connection to your college community, enhancing your overall college experience.
Moreover, expressing yourself through creative outlets may lead you down unexpected paths. For instance, joining your HBCU band could take you to many places. Most HBCUs have a popular drum line or band. Joining that organization could earn you a scholarship, the chance to travel during shows, or your “newfound” friend could be already there, just waiting for you to join.
Expressing yourself could also help with seasonal depression or reduce stress. Joining a creative outlet can make college more enjoyable and help you better manage your mental well-being. Ultimately, it can bring you a sense of pleasure and self-satisfaction. Students who are actively involved on campus tend to adjust easily to the challenges of college and could feel like they belong to something, making it easier for them to navigate through challenges with friends.
Being accepted into an organization is just like getting accepted into college- grades matter! Many organizations will have requirements for prospective members, such as grades, class affiliation, and personal values. Those key components play a huge role in the acceptance of different organizations. Being a part of these organizations can positively enhance your quality of life at school, grades, and relationships.
Maybe you aren’t as outgoing, and in fact, you’re introverted. There are many creative things you can do by yourself or in the comfort of your room. The objective is to remind you that college isn’t just all about textbooks, 1,000-page essays, or Fried Fish Fridays; the goal is to receive your college degree while having many lifelong friendships and an abundance of memories that you can look back on to laugh or share with others.
Here are a few creative ways to stay active on campus and enjoy the perks of being a college student:
Become your HBCU’s content creator. Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha are said to be the most tech-savvy generation. Explore different places on campus or around campus to create content. This could promote your school with positive content while you are learning and exploring the campus for future generations. This could also land you a freelance job through your school if the right people get ahold of it. To take it a step further, present your content to your school’s communication department for display online or at orientations.
Scrapbooking your college experience from beginning to end is a creative way to remember all you’ve done over the years. Keep some confetti from sports games, sports ticket stubs, or special events items your school may have put on, etc. By keeping these things safe in a scrapbook, you reflect on all the memories you made in undergrad.
Coloring or drawing is an excellent way to keep you and your brain active. Coloring is a way to escape into a fantasy with beautiful colors and illustrations, much like drawing. Drawing can help you escape from the stress and reality of college life.
Word search and crosswords are fun ways to pass the time. Most people get lost in these puzzles and find them stimulating. Try doing these fun pastimes outside to change your scenery.
Writing is an expressive way to let ideas flow and to get thoughts out of your head. Writing with a poetic twist is a great way to express your feelings. Consider having music on when you’re writing to continuously have creative juices flowing. Journaling is another way to be expressive. Try finding a journal with prompts for every day of the week so that you can express yourself in a meaningful way.
This February, we are proud to highlight the African American trailblazers who may not always receive the recognition they deserve but have significantly impacted in various fields. We appreciate and honor everyone who has paved the way for future generations. Here are some remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped our world.
Dorothy Vaughan was born on September 20th, 1910, in Kansas City, MO. Vaughan attended and graduated from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Vaughan is rarely mentioned when talking about NASA’s robust and diverse workforce, which she helped shape. She is most known for being the first black department head of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and a respected mathematician. Most people may know Vaughn from the movie Hidden Figures, a movie based on actual events that highlights three African American women who played essential roles in NASA during the early years of the U.S. Space Program.
Patricia Era Bath was born on November 4th, 1942. Bath was the first African American student to train in the ophthalmology field. However, her medical interest didn’t “just happen.” Bath’s parents encouraged her to pursue academic interests, and as a result, at age 16, she was one of the few in her class that attended a cancer research workshop. After the program ended, the department head was so impressed with Bath’s discoveries in her project that he incorporated them into his scientific paper that was later presented at a conference. “After graduating high school, Bath attended Hunter College in 1964 and later pursued a medical degree at Howard University. Bath graduated with honors and accepted an internship at Harlem Hospital. Further, she began specialized medical training at Columbia University.
While studying, she discovered African Americans were twice as likely to suffer from blindness than other patients and eight times more likely to develop glaucoma. Bath’s research led to her development of a community ophthalmology system. In 1981, Bath began working on her most well-known invention: the Laserphaco Probe. The device was completed in 1986, creating a less painful and more precise treatment of cataracts. She received a patent for the Laserphaco Probe in 1988, becoming the first African American female doctor to receive a patent for a medical purpose.
Alven Ailey was born on January 5th, 1931. Ailey is best known as one of the most prominent dance figures of the 20th century. Ailey lived in a small, impoverished town in Texas before leaving to pursue a career in dance in Los Angeles, California. In 1949, he studied modern dance with Lester Horton, an American dancer and choreographer, and later joined Horton’s dance company. After making it to Broadway and performing as a lead dancer in many shows, he achieved his greatest success. Ailey opened his own dance company in 1958. Ailey was most known for his early work, Revelations, which could be described as a “celebratory study of religious spirit” (Biography). Ailey became a prominent figure in creating programs that promoted arts in education, particularly in areas that were underserved. In 2014, he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in honor of his contributions and commitment to Civil Rights and dance in America.
By celebrating these trailblazers, we honor their achievements and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and continue their Luxeathon™ forward, building a more just and inclusive society. This February, let us remember and appreciate everyone who has made a way for the progress we see today, ensuring that their names and stories are never forgotten.
Heart-related maintenance can be done by incorporating healthy habits into everyday life, such as eating better, exercising, or quitting smoking. Still, there are also other fun ways to improve your health than the obvious. However, taking care of your heart is the goal, and there are eight key measures for improving and maintaining a healthy heart, as defined by The American Heart Association. They are:
Taking care of your heart to be able to run into the Winner’s Circle is the ultimate goal. Reaching that goal can’t happen if your heart isn’t happy or healthy. Incorporating the creative tips below into your daily life could help improve your heart health.
According to Healthline, including fiber in your diet can help lower your level of low-density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol.” You can find many fiber-rich options in your dining hall or at your campus On The Go (OTG) store, such as oats, apples, or brussels sprouts.
When incorporating healthy options in your diet, it may be easy to subtract items to swap for a healthier alternative. Instead, add in the healthier options and then gradually start swapping the “bad” items out.
Consider exercising when you’re watching your favorite shows. Most shows are 30 minutes to an hour and The American Heart Association only recommends 15-20 minutes a day of activity. Your body will thank you while you get your dose of entertainment.
Stress is a known factor in heart disease. Laughing is a great way to improve your heart and reduce the risk. Laughing can reduce stress, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. “Our bodies are affected by all our emotions – the good and the not-so-good.” As stated by Karthikeyan Ananth, M.D., a Henry Ford Health cardiologist. Dr. Ananth further stated emotions like stress, depression, and loneliness have both immediate and ongoing negative effects on your heart. However, “laughter eliminates many of the negative symptoms associated with stress. When you laugh, your body releases hormones called endorphins. These hormones make you feel good and block out those negative emotions.” (Henery Ford Health). Laugh more; your heart could depend on it.
Before you decide to munch on that delectable, sweet piece of chocolate, make sure it’s dark! Dark Chocolate is a mouth-watering treat enjoyed by many worldwide. Its surprising benefits will make you run over to your On The Go (OTG) store to get this month’s limited-time offer so that you can indulge in the richness of dark chocolate while also benefiting your health.
Dark chocolate is known to have lower added sugar and fat than milk chocolate or white chocolate. In fact, “White chocolate doesn’t contain any cocoa solids,” according to Clevland Clinic, meaning “it’s much more of a confection than anything.” Dark chocolate has between 50% and 90% cocoa solids, and milk chocolate has between 10% and 50%. Cocoa solids are a percentage number that determines the quality and taste of chocolate. The percentage represents the amount of cocoa liquor, cocoa solids, and cocoa butter present in the chocolate. So, next time you pick up a chocolate, don’t forget to turn it over to check the cocoa solids percentage.
This tasty treat can also nourish your body with each bite. Here are a few of its health benefits.
Flavanols are antioxidants found in dark chocolate. Flavanols are found in cacao plants. The plants are then fermented and roasted, then made into cocoa beans. These flavanols act as a protectant from the sun, along with improving the blood flow to the skin.
Dark Chocolate has long been said to have mood-altering properties. After consuming dark chocolate, you may have felt bliss, pleasure, or enjoyment. Those feelings originate from polyphenolic compounds. Regularly consuming these plant compounds is thought to reduce the risk of depression or sadness because “polyphenols are antioxidants that lower cortisol, a stress hormone” (Cleveland Clinic).
Consuming dark chocolate contains many minerals, such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and more. These minerals are important for your overall health. Iron minerals are essential for growth and development. Magnesium found in dark chocolate can contribute to better sleep quality, and Zinc helps immunity.
Flavonoids contribute to improved brain function. These antioxidants help protect neurons and enhance cognitive functions. Dark chocolate may offer protection against brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
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From rich dark chocolate to the more familiar milk and white varieties, this versatile treat pairs beautifully with an assortment of foods. Let’s embark on a flavorsome journey into the wonderful world of dark chocolate. Whether you’re a novice chocolate eater or a professional, these mouth-watering, flavorsome pairings will surely tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to share your harmonious pairings on social media with # your school and Campus dining.
Chocolate-covered strawberries, banana split with extra chocolate drizzle, or dried cranberries dipped in chocolate, the possibilities are endless! Dark chocolate and fruit create delightful pairings. The bitterness of the dark chocolate with the tartness of strawberries, raspberries, or cranberries complements each other, making it a go-to treat. The comforting taste of bananas and the rich taste of dark chocolate is perfect for desserts or smoothies.
Some people enjoy a warm bowl of chili with a delicious dark chocolate candy bar. This classic combination is said to bring out the chili pepper’s heat while enhancing dark chocolate’s flavor. Dark chocolate also can be paired with cinnamon. The sweet spice of cinnamon goes perfectly with the intense flavor of chocolate. Cinnamon and dark chocolate are often found in Mexican hot chocolate, making it a comforting and aromatic beverage. Lastly, dark chocolate and sea salt offer a savory crunch and bitterness. The pairings provide a contrast in taste and texture.
Crunch and delight are what you get when you pair dark chocolate and nuts together. Almonds and dark chocolate are popular pairings; this popular pairing can be described as a crunch with a robust tasting experience. Walnut’s earthy and bitter flavors combined with dark chocolate offer deep and intense tastes. These pairings are usually seen in baked goods, offering a rich and complex flavor. Pistachios and dark chocolate have two completely different flavor profiles. Still, when combined, the slightly sweet taste of the peanuts and the bitterness of the dark chocolate make this a go-to pairing.
Dark chocolate’s complex flavor can enhance many beverages. The most popular pairing is dark chocolate and coffee, which can be added to espresso, cappuccinos, and mochas. The strong flavor of espresso complements the bitterness of dark chocolate, while the creaminess of a cappuccino and the intense flavor of dark chocolate provide a smooth and indulgent taste. Further, dark chocolate and mocha naturally combine both flavor profiles, enhancing the dark chocolate taste and making it a deliciously decadent beverage.
The wonderful world of chocolate pairings is about exploring and personal preference. Trying different combinations of cultural foods and beverages helps you discover what you enjoy the most and what may not be the best for you. Dark chocolate is good for your overall health, and enjoying it in moderation is key.
This month’s endurance eat is Salmon. Bursting with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B-12, this nutritious fish is more than just a dining hall staple. Eating the options provided in the dining hall can seem redundant. While it may seem like the same old dish every other week, there is no reason for salmon to be boring. With a bit of creativity, you can turn your salmon into a fresh and unique culinary experience.
Read below to learn how to make different meals in the dining hall with ingredients that are accessible and simple for your college environment.
Salmon taco ingredients are simple and can be found in your campus’s dining hall. You can use the filets from the Turntable line and Top That salad bar for leafy vegetables or tomatoes. Another option is to visit Delightful for tortillas and other bread items.
Salmon bowls are another meal that you can put together quickly with ingredients found in the dining hall. When your campus serves salmon, it is usually paired with rice. Rice and salmon are the perfect base for your bowl. If rice isn’t an option, try mixed greens or cucumbers instead. Add a variety of nutrient-rich toppings to complete your bowl and finish it off with condiments from your dining hall, such as hot sauce, salad dressings, or spices.
Salmon pita pockets can be made at Delightful, and various options are available. Start with your bread of choice, then load it up with veggies or food options at Turntable. Toasting the bread can be an option for a crispier texture, and drizzle with condiments of your choice. This creative and fulfilling way is quick and puts a twist on salmon being offered in the dining hall.
This salad will surely be a hit at your table in the dining hall and will have you coming back for seconds. Salmon Ceaser salad is made with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese, all found at your salad bar. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss together, ensuring the Caesar dressing coats the lettuce.
Salmon flatbread can be made with open-faced bread, greens, red onions, and other toppings of your choosing. Spread a thin layer of any food spread on the bread, such as cream cheese or butter. Then, add the salmon and other ingredients on top. Consider toasting the flatbread for a crunchy and warm meal.
Leaving your belongings at home to create a minimalistic dorm style may seem challenging. You have things you consider essential, but let’s face it: the dorms assigned are sometimes small, with little to no space to move around. Bringing everything from home could cause you to be overwhelmed; however, the less you bring, the more calm, tidy, and overall peace you will gain from having a minimalist dorm style.
A minimalistic lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring, and it could help the planet and give you peace of mind. The benefit of not bringing all your belongings is that you will accumulate so much of your HBCU’s paraphernalia that you’ll forget what you left home. Below are some hacks you can incorporate into your dorm life that will make life easier, and you’ll be living a life of luxe.
Decorating your dorm to give it that “homey” feeling is important. Keep your walls simple and clear of clutter. Consider sticking to a pattern or neutral color scheme for added minimalistic style. String and lamp lighting is another way to add minimally to your room while brightening up your area. In addition, surrounding your area with plants and putting cozy blankets and pillows can add to the homey feel of your area.
Make it your priority to keep all class essentials on your desk or around it. This creates a space for working and separates personal or leisure time from your working space. Keeping your desk free from clutter and only keeping supplies you need is essential for living a minimalistic lifestyle. In addition, dorm preparation checklists can help get the essentials. However, these lists can contribute to unnecessary clutter and items you may never use during the semester.
Are you a victim of over-packing? Most of us are. Remember, this is college, so bringing the necessary items is important. A few pairs of bottoms, tops, jackets/coats, dresses, workout clothes, accessories, socks, and undergarments are all you’ll need to survive the semester. Don’t worry about t-shirts either; you’ll be surprised by how many t-shirts you accumulate for participating in events or attending them. Further, bringing a hamper to store dirty clothes is important to avoid throwing items on the floor or over your desk.
Storing items can keep things organized, clean, and together. Using wall space as vertical storage could be a great way to keep things organized and functional. Consider bringing collapsible storage bins, over-the-door storage bins, and under-bed bags. These storage essentials will help you keep things together while giving the illusion that you have little to no items.
Imagine this: it’s the end of class, and you’ve been daydreaming about the snack waiting for you in your dorm. You know exactly where it is in the kitchen and can’t wait to indulge. You finally arrive, open the refrigerator door, and discover your beloved snack is gone! As you look around, you notice your roommates have personalized containers and reusable bags with their initials on them. One of them even has a snack labeled with a bold “Mine.” Personalizing your belongings, especially your snacks, can be unique and cost-effective. Most importantly, it ensures your items are unmistakably yours.
Decorating your items to make them your own can be cost-effective. You can decorate your things with colorful or neon permanent markers. Stickers and stencils are other cost-effective ways to decorate your belongings. Stickers are easy to peel off and on, most times, and can be covered with different stickers. Stencils are used most of the time and can be covered with other stickers. Stencils are another creative way to decorate your items to make them your own. They are another creative way to decorate your items to make them your own. They are designed to form any letter, word, or pattern and work best on flat surfaces.
Drawing or decorating reusable items with reusable markers can be another cost-effective way to personalize things. Consider decorating a t-shirt that may be too big; this can be done by tie-dying, bleaching, or ripping it in a way that makes a trendy design. Socks are another modern way to decorate a reusable item. Socks are cost-effective items that can be drawn on to cover up the condition of a shabby sock or part of the sock. Also, consider repursuing an old tote to make it stylish and functional for running errands or an overnight bag.
Personalizing something to make it your own can be a unique way to express your creativity, and most items you have can be personalized. Consider personalizing your high-end items, such as shoes, jewelry bracelets, or bookbags, to ensure that it’s uniquely your own, and it can reduce the risk of theft. Personalizing your items in community spaces is another way to reduce the risk of theft or accidentally taking or using something that wasn’t intended for the other person. Putting items in reusable totes or containers can easily be personalized with simple statements, such as a date and name, or with longer, complex messages or statements. Consider engraving pens, tumblers, and things of value to ensure your items are personalized to your uniqueness.
“Customizing things makes them uniquely yours, much like running your own Luxeathon™.”
Staying true to yourself and life’s journey is key when personalizing things, including running your Luxeathon™. Your journey is distinct from your peers, but fortunately, it is a path that can’t be altered to match anyone else’s path. In addition, custom personalization doesn’t have to be expensive and can be cost-effective when using erasable markers, old t-shirts, or stickers.
Marketing Contacts
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming
daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing
stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Jacquii A. Tilley, Contributing Writer
Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer