Module 5 Learning Journal

    During this module I have learned more about how different foods are classified and how much we need of those foods, the standard amount of physical activity needed and different types of activities to do, and the obesity epidemic and where I fall on the BMI scale. I find that I related to chapter 6 the most because I have been trying to get more physically active for years now but I have not really known how to do that or what types of activities would be beneficial to me. 

The discussion in this module helped a lot in understanding other peoples' views on how to be healthy. There were many discussions that questioned whether you could choose either having a good diet or being physically active instead of having a combination of both. The textbook clearly described that eating right and exercising are two aspects of a healthy lifestyle that work hand in hand. One thing I would like to change in my diet is to add more whole grains by choosing brown rice more often. I usually buy a whole wheat multigrain bread for toast and sandwiches but I don't eat it daily so I think adding brown rice will help me get my recommended daily intake easier. 

A couple of links that helped me understand more how physical activity helps us in our daily lives are 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyle: 5 Keys to a Longer Life. I learned how physical activity can really improve your life in many ways that I never though about. I didn't know previously that exercise could promote more energy and better sleep as I thought expending more energy through exercise would just make you more tired. I also didn't know that being physically active could actually extend your lifetime through illness and disease prevention. 

I would like to focus more on trying to understand others points of view in their discussion posts. I find that instead of seeing things from their perspective I am basing my answers off of what I believe instead of researching more into their side of the post. I think my participation has definitely improved from the first week as I am spending more time finding sources online and through our textbook that explain my points better. I look at the rubric for every discussion grade I receive, and I believe I am doing very well in meeting the guidelines. I understand for the most part why I received the grades I did, I find that I have done a good job of searching for and utilizing accurate sources for my posts and responses. In the case of my last response where I received a 4 out of 5 for a response I looked back and realized that my last response was definitely shorter than the other responses I had done and was based mainly on sources instead of stating my point of view and answering the question.