Healthy Eating in the Dining Halls

Let's face it: it can be hard to eat healthy while in college. Changes in sleep-wake cycles, availability of food options, stress and social situations all contribute to altered eating patterns during the college years. 

Here are some general tips on how to eat healthy on campus:

• To get a balance of vitamins and nutrients, aim for a colorful plate. Try to avoid having an all white or brown plate (e.g., potatoes, rice, pasta, meat, bread). To add color, try adding some fruits and vegetables.

• Try not to select two sandwich options every day, including wraps, burgers, quesadillas and burritos. Limit sandwich options to one meal and include a solid protein option—chicken, fish, meat, tofu or salad with protein options such as beans, tofu or cheese for the other meal.

• Include 1-2 servings of fruit and/or vegetables with meals, especially lunch and dinner. Fiber in these foods will help keep you satisfied between meals.  Whole grain carb options also provide good fiber.

• Try to eat every 3-5 hours to keep energy levels up and to control hunger. Have a snack in between meals if time frames exceed this range.

• Don't be afraid to use a little healthy fat, either as salad dressing or as oil cooked into your meals. Fat, like fiber, also keeps you satisfied and less hungry between meals. Canola oil, a healthy fat, is used on campus.

• When possible, have your larger meal in the middle of the day. Use those calories to meet energy demands, control hunger and to maintain physical and mental energy.

• Listen to your body. Which meals keep you going through busy days, and which leave you with an energy crash in the middle of class? Do certain foods give you an upset stomach? Does eating late at night make it harder to sleep? Your body is wise; pay attention to what it's telling you and let it guide your decision-making.

You can find more information, including dining hall menus, nutritional content, healthy eating tips, and hours of operation on the Dining Services website.