Repetitive dining hall choices got you down? Normal go-to items feeling a little Common?
Well, look no further. Here are a few healthy options to try next time you’re feeling in a rut at Commons:
1. Breakfast
Tips to Revamp Your Original:
– Ask for a small egg-white omelet (instead of the usual) – fill it with veggies and a little bit of cheese.
– Add a little bowl of oatmeal with your regular meal – sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon
– Get a grapefruit – sprinkle on a little bit of Splenda (for something a little more sour and sweet) – or make your own fruit bowl.
– If you want a bagel, scoop out the inside (did you know bagels are the equivalent of about 4-6 pieces of bread? Now you do!), toast it, and spread on a little bit of your favorite topping (peanut butter is always good for a little added protein!).
– Juice is loaded with sugar and extra calories – if you want some, pour a small cup of orange juice. Otherwise, start your day off right with a glass of water.
– Although the popular belief is that tea is better for you, research shows that coffee offers the same added benefits (yay for antioxidants and a little bit of caffeine!) – grab a small to-go cup of either so that you can stay awake during your 9AM class.
Yogurt Muffin Stack:
– Toast an English muffin (wheat if you’re feeling extra healthy!) and spread one of its sides with a little bit of strawberry yogurt, then top it off with some sliced bananas.
– Put the other side of the muffin on top, and then spread some strawberry yogurt (or strawberry jam, if you want to get crazy) on top of it. Add a few more slices of bananas and drizzle on a little bit of honey.
My go to? Egg white omelet with a little bit of cheese and spinach. A banana (but only if it looks edible). Coffee with skim, soy, or almond milk.
2. Lunch
Tips to Revamp Your Original:
– Swap your fries for some veggies (think: carrots and broccoli) and put a little salad dressing on the side for dipping
– Your go-to salad dressing should be olive oil and balsamic vinegar – less calories than the other options offered!
– Switch your go-to soda for flavored water (add some slices of lemon!) – you’ll be getting one of your recommended eight glasses for the day without having to worry about useless calories
– Ice cream isn’t always the healthiest dessert choice. Instead, grab some yogurt and sprinkle in a little bit of your favorite dry cereal on top – my friends swear by this!
– Choose wheat bread instead of white (goes for bagels, bread, and hotdog/hamburger buns)
Spinach Quesadilla:
– At the sandwich station, ask for a wrap with provolone cheese
– Then, put a generous amount of spinach on top (you can grab some from the salad bar!)
– For some extras, add some tomatoes, extra cheese, or whatever toppings you like best
– Toast it
My go to? Salad with whatever tasty veggies they have the salad bar. Add protein on top (usually grilled chicken), dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. On the side have an apple with some peanut butter.
3. Dinner
Revamp Your Original:
– If you grab pasta, the appropriate serving size is only about the size of your fist (sad, I know)
– Grab some fish (salmon) if it’s available – brain fuel
– Again, make a delicious, colorful salad (spice it up – if you made a salad at lunch, add different veggies and toppings)
– Look to add a yummy soup-of-the-day to your dinner! (Try to stay away from Broccoli and Cheese soup and head for the Tomato or Chicken Noodle)
My go to? Grilled chicken, a spinach salad, a vegetable, and a small cup of soup.