Music to Our Ears

Live stage at Code Red Cafe, located on El Paseo Road, is a popular venue. (Photo By: Carli Chavez)

Staying healthy not only involves the body, but the mind as well.  Exercising and eating right are great ways to keep your body healthy, but what about the mind?  What can a college student do to relax after a stressful day? 

Getting together with friends to go out and listen to live music is a healthy way to unwind after a long day of classes and homework.

It has been proven music relieves stress. In a survey of students conducted at England’s National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, many of the students had a preference for metal. The music helps them get past pressures that cause them to question their abilities and it relieves their negative emotions.

Regardless of your taste in music, there is a local show for everyone.  Whether you want to see a local band or see a touring band, there are different venues in town.

The Code Red, Q-Time, Hurricane Alley and El Patio are all local venues.  There are also restaurants that have live performances while you sit and enjoy your meal.  The next time you are having a rough day take the night off to relax with friends and listen to some tunes.

Healthy Eating

Fresh produce is a tempting and healthy choice at Toucan Market located on University Avenue. (Photo by: Ashton Coyle)

Toucan Market offers a variety of organic and all-natural foods, and its University Avenue location is extremely convenient for students living on campus.

Expect to pay more for all-natural or organic foods, but you can also find your traditional Cup O’Noodles or Lays brand potato chips. The produce section alone may be reason enough to stop by and grab your daily supply of fruits and vegetables.

“You can get a salad pretty doggone inexpensive” says Bob Baur, co-owner of Toucan. And nectarines, plums and peaches were found this month for only 88 cents a pound.

Remember to bring in your NMSU ID because students receive a 10 percent discount on their purchase (excluding alcohol).

The Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market is located in the downtown mall and is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..

Local farmers offer some of the freshest vegetables around at reasonable prices, and the community-centered atmosphere creates an enjoyable shopping experience.

Get out and enjoy some fresh air, and pick up some tasty food while you’re at it!

Dinning Healthy

For healthy eating options in Las Cruces, diners may choose to eat at the newly opened McAlister’s Deli. The quick-service restaurant opened its local location Aug. 31, at 2800 Mall drive, next to the Mesilla Valley Mall.

McAlister’s menu offers patrons more than 100 options, which include sandwiches, soups, salads, flatbread pizzas, sweets and baked potatoes.

Customers may expect a price tag of less than $10 for a meal, side and drink. The deli also offers free Wi-Fi Internet to paying customers.

For authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi, eaters may choose to dine at the Mix Express, where all menu items may be purchased for less than $8..  This fast-food establishment, adjacent to its cousin restaurant, Mix Pacific Rim Cuisine, prepares fresh food for its customers.

The Mix Express is at 1001 University Ave. Suite D-3. Customers may dine-in, carryout or have food delivered.  To access the menu, visit www.themixexpress.com/menu.

Work It!

The James B. Delamater Activity Center is located on Stewart Street between Locust and Williams Avenues. (Photo by: Carlos Lopez)

Along with a poor diet, lack of exercise leads to one of the worst side effects associated with a college lifestyle: weight gain. If those extra 15 pounds are stuck on you, a creative exercise routine can be of great help.

For structured and exciting activities that will keep you in shape, there’s the James Delameter Activity Center. The A.C. offers free aerobic, yoga and spinning classes that energize and tone the body. Classes are offered to full-time students and are held throughout the day, making it easy to fit into busy schedules. Other classes include kickboxing, pilates and aquatic aerobics.

“We stay on top of what is current and offer all the same services provided by corporate gyms,” said Shon Meyer, director of the Student Wellness Center.

Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds, improve your health or simply stay in shape, the A.C. is the ideal place to “work-it.”

For more information, call 646-5178 or visit aggiefit@nmsu.edu.