Lisa Corman

Registered Dietitian
UNH Dietetic Internship
Years Worked at UNH: 
5
Healthy Eating and Active Living
What does health mean to you?: 
Health, to me, is not defined by a number on a scale or a size. It’s about being active, eating well, and feeling good about yourself. It’s also about making the best choices for yourself to ensure you are around for many years to come!
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?: 
I help to run the dietetic internship, so I am training future dietitians. They work on many projects throughout the campus, whether it is at the dining halls, the Dairy Bar or Health Services. I also work for the Center for Health Enhancement (CHE), which runs the Weight Management program for faculty and staff. I love being a part of the nutrition program at UNH!
How do you stay fit?: 
For many years, I did aerobics. One day, on the UNH webpage, I saw the Homecoming 5K advertised. I wondered if I could run it. I hated running as a kid-I used to cry when we had to run a mile in gym class. So I signed up and the rest is history! I’ve been running for almost 4 years now-my favorite distance is the half marathon. But I am running the Boston Marathon again this year as a charity runner-this will be my third marathon. I still squeeze in aerobics and weight training on my non-running days though. I try to run 30-40 miles a week.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?: 
Being a dietitian, I have plenty! The main thing I always stress is to make small changes to your eating patterns. The reason many people fail is they try to change too many things at once. Make a small change, such as cutting the amount of regular soda you drink in a day by half, and stick with that change for a week. Then next week, make an additional change. This will help prevent that deprived feeling many people experience when they try to do too much, too soon. And of course, if you need a lot of tips on how to eat healthfully, you should see the nutrition expert-a Registered Dietitian!
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?: 
My number one motivator is my kids. Children always mimic the behaviors of their parents. My kids see me running and working out-and many times, they will ask if they can do it too! My 7 year old ran her first 5K this past Mother’s Day. And my 4 year old has her own set of 3 pound weights that she lifts J My other motivator is to achieve my own personal best. When I run a race, I’m running against myself, always trying to set a new personal record. I find that when I take the time to eat right and keep my mileage up, the results can be seen. I also have a family history of diabetes and heart disease. Even though some of it is genetic, I am trying to improve what I can through exercise and diet.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?: 
I didn’t start running to lose weight, but I lost 30 pounds just by adding that change to my routine. I have been able to improve the distance and speed that I can run. My doctor is always telling me that my resting heart rate is very low, which is a good thing.
Anything else you would like to add?: 
I’m running the April 2011 Boston Marathon to benefit GoKids Boston, a charity that provide health and exercise opportunities to underserved children. They are making tremendous strides in the fight against childhood obesity. You can learn more about my fundraising efforts at www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman