An Honest Look at Campus Food
By Kristen, age 19, Massachusetts
Sweet Designs Staff Intern
I'm about to enter my third year of college. The classes are getting harder, the work is more demanding, and I am getting ready to start my career as a high school English teacher. However, something stays constant and never changes on campus - the food.
I live on campus, so it is very hard not to go to the Dining Commons every day, especially when my mother pays for my meal plan so I am able to go there for every meal. I am not very fond of the food on campus. From what friends at other colleges have told me, they do not like their campus food either.
I do not want to discredit the Dining Commons completely. There is a salad bar and a sandwich making station. Breakfast always has fresh fruit. However, the hot meal is usually fried or drenched in oil. French fries are served at every meal. Pizza is always on demand. I try to stay away from the hot meal unless it is a healthy chicken or turkey dish. How can anyone go on eating things fried in oil or basted with grease every day? Who actually can stomach chicken-fried steak every week?
My advice to anyone new to the campus cafeteria scene is to think about moderation. Moderation is the key to not gaining the dreaded "freshman fifteen". You can go ahead with the fried food, but not more than one serving size. I recommend that you balance it with a vegetable and a salad. Remember that fried food should not be eaten at every meal. You may be young now, but down the road this can lead to health problems. I am no nutritionist, but I do know that everyone should eat fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy every day for a healthy body.
Unsatisfied with your campus food? Speak up! Most college campuses let you input feedback via e-mail or a suggestion box. If enough people speak up about the food, then change is inevitable. For example, many of my vegan friends found it hard to eat in the Dining Commons. They decided to write formal complaints asking for more vegan friendly dishes. Their voices were heard and now every meal has a vegan or vegetarian option.
I hope you are able to stay hydrated, healthy, and active this semester. Keep in mind moderation and a balanced diet. Remember that healthy food is brain food and can help you keep focused on your studies.
