This year, I’ve been working on eating healthy. It’s really important for me to put food into my body that not only tastes great, but also has a positive effect on my health! Since I live on campus I’ve definitely gotten to know the cafeteria on a personal level, but it’s pretty easy to eat poorly. I mean c’mon, they have chocolate cake there everyday!
Through conversations with my friends I found that many people think that there aren’t any other options for healthy eating on campus besides a simple salad. With that in mind, I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite healthy meals to eat at the cafeteria:
1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich at the Grill Station. (Around $6)
This yummy chicken breast sandwich is filling and perfect for a post workout dinner. I tend to add some provolone cheese to it for a bit more flavor and I make sure to add a side of mixed vegetables to my order. If you’re not into eating bread, I’m positive that you could simply order just the chicken. The grill is almost always open so it’s a great go-to meal.
2. Salmon Whole Grain Bowls at the Fuel Station. (Around $11)
While it’s only available during lunch hours and a bit expensive, the fuel bowls taste amazing. I order a quinoa, salmon, and pomegranate seed bowl with a pineapple vinaigrette that immediately transports me to some beach in the Tropics.
3. Bean Burrito Bowl at the Salsa Station. (Around $9)
The salsa station is pretty tempting with their quesadillas and nachos, but I opt for a burrito bowl. I typically get a black bean, guacamole, lettuce, onion, pico de gallo, and sometimes shredded chicken bowl. You also add either spanish or cilantro rice to it. The bowls are pretty big and inexpensive.
4. Most meals at the Rotisserie Station. (Around $8)
While this may seem vague, it is the truth. The rotisserie station usually offers something pretty healthy, especially for dinner. They always offer a choice of warm vegetables which is a nice alternative to the cold, but still tasty, salad bar. You can typically find some form of baked chicken there or a nice rice dish on a cold day. I believe that a key for eating healthy is to occasionally eat something that isn’t always considered the healthiest. Just two days ago I had great jambalaya for dinner from the rotisserie station and I felt amazing afterwards. The most important component is moderation.
5. Brownie Brittle Dessert at the Undercafe. (Around $6)
Speaking of treating yourself, this dessert that the Undercafe sells is a new favorite of mine. Brownies are one of the best desserts of all time, I bake them often at home but I haven’t had the opportunity to do so at school. So when I found Sheila G’s brownie brittle I almost cried. It’s so good and it’s available in loads of different flavors from salted caramel to chocolate chip. It comes in a resealable bag so that way you don’t really have to eat the entire bag in one sitting, but you totally can—I know I have.
Eating healthy on campus isn’t too difficult. It just takes some time to figure out what you like and don’t like. But please remember to treat yourself since you work hard!