It’s New Year’s Resolution time and that means eating healthy and exercising – and for students, a big part of that includes food consumed on campus. 

Eating healthy on campus can be a breeze as long as you come armed with a few tips and tricks.

Breakfast

• Try the daily flavor of low-fat muffin or Ultimate Breakfast Bar (It contains 6 grams of fiber, is low-fat and looks like a cookie!)
• Try the oatmeal at Caribou, it’s full of fiber and protein.

Lunch and Dinner

• Choose broth-based soups over cream based, they typically have less fat and calories.
• Create your own deli sandwich: ISU Dining offers tons of veggies and choosing mustard or low-fat mayo for your spread will cut calories and fat.
• Choose grilled options instead of fried options.
• Create your own salad, load it up with vegetables and use a low-fat dressing.
• Fruit, vegetables, baked chips and pretzels are always available as side choices.

Snacks

• Try a yogurt parfait.
• Coffee is a must for college students, but it can be a definite diet killer, here are some easy switches to keep it healthy:

– Skip the whip to cut 100 calories and 10 grams of fat.

– Order skim milk for any latte, mocha or specialty beverage, and use skim milk instead of half and half for your brewed coffee.

– Try sugar free syrups.

Always keep in mind that moderation is key. Having a cookie or using mayo isn’t going to ruin a healthful diet, just watch your portion sizes and remember that eating should be fun.

For students who want extra help, Dining Services offers additional services. They have their own staff of registered licensed dietitians to help students make the best choices and provide nutrition education.

ISU Dining offers NetNutrition, which allows you to create meals online then view all the nutrition content. To view your favorite snacks and meals check out: netnutrition.dining.iastate.edu/NetNutrition/

Iowa State also created the Farm to ISU program in 2007. This program increased the universities purchases of local, organic and alternatively produced agriculture products. The program then strengthens Iowa’s agriculture economy.