“Skip the diet. Just eat smart.”

This phrase is the mantra from Smart Eats, a nutritional education program at Recreation Services. It isn’t about the latest diet craze or weight loss, but rather a more balanced, long-term approach to eating.

Smart Eats started in 2015 when Nora Hudson, assistant director of fitness, wanted to add a nutrition resource at Recreation Services. In the fall of 2015, a six-week nutrition-education class was offered for three semesters but, due to low student turnout, Smart Eats decided to shift their focus to singular events and social media. 

“We’re very much moving toward a non-diet mentality,” said Mitch Zaplatosch, Recreation Services graduate student and co-founder of Smart Eats. “We’re focused also on that intuitive eating model, which is being in tune with your body and fueling your body with what makes it feel good. Those good foods that are nutritionally of better quality, but also satisfying that emotional side of food as well.”

The Smart Eats staff has seven members overseen by Zaplatosch and Hudson. 

One of the services Smart Eats offers is an orientation session where students can talk one-on-one about their needs in nutrition. Prior to their orientation, students are sent a survey on their nutritional knowledge so the staff can identify areas to focus on and tailor the session to the specific student’s needs.

For example, Zaplatosch said if someone doesn’t know how to read a food label, the staff can explain it to them and help them understand what to look for.

Smart Eats also uses Facebook and Instagram, offering tips and information on healthy eating and exercise nutrition via social media. 

One of the major challenges Zaplatosch finds among college students is they don’t believe they have time to cook. This leads to a heavier reliance on convenience foods, which Zaplatosch said may catch up with students later in life when their metabolism slows down. He said now is a good time for students to learn how to cook as they become more independent.

Zaplatosch also cited grocery shopping as an important factor in helping students stick with a nutrition plan. Surrounding oneself with healthy choices can make it easier to stick to an overall goal, but Zaplatosch also said there’s nothing wrong with having ice cream once in a while.

Another common issue is the “protein myth.” Many people think they need to have supplements or protein powder which Zaplatosch said is convenient but not necessary. Essential amino acids can be gained through everyday meals, and pre-workout supplements contain much of the same things as coffee.

When asked how Smart Eats combats issues of body images and eating disorders, Zaplatosch said Smart Eats focuses on the educational side of nutrition.

“Our role in that is bringing it back more to an education side of things, so focusing more on what are the components of food, what can food do for you, how does it help you with your workouts, how does it help you feel good, how does it prevent deficiencies, things like that and the overall healthy eating guidelines and what they are and how to implement them in your life,” Zaplatosch said. 

Zaplatosch said Smart Eats is not focused on the scale, but rather the health of the person.

“Sometimes people will ask about weight loss, and that’s not really our goal. Our goal is not to teach people how to lose weight. What we want is more to empower them to make healthy food choices,” Zaplatosch said. “They’re going to benefit from choosing a healthy eating plan regardless [of weight loss].”

During the holiday season, food is on the forefront of many people’s minds.

“It’s fine to enjoy food, but also enjoy the time you have with your family, too,” Zaplatosch said.

Smart Eats can be reached through their website, Facebook and Instagram. Zaplatosch also said he and his team are discussing future events and the direction of the program before Winter Break.