Walking into Harris at rush hour can be overwhelming, and you might end up kicking yourself when you get back to the table with a plate full of plain pasta or some mysterious option that seemed like a good idea at the time. Here are some tips on how to tackle Harris and how to establish some healthy habits at all of your dining hall meals!
1. Take a walk around. Before you start randomly scooping combinations of pesto pasta and spicy curry vegetables, look at all of the options. You will be able to rule out some of the foods, and this instantly makes for an easier decision. If there are quite a few foods that you want for dinner, serve yourself a big variety with small portions. If Harris has taught me anything, it is to always take less than you think you want. You never know what someone might actually taste like, and if you love it, you can always go back for seconds!
2. Can’t find anything you like? Visit the counter to the right when you walk in- it’s an option that I usually forget about. There is always a daily special sandwich or salad, and there are sandwiches that are always offered. The Morrison is my favorite, with turkey, cheddar cheese, sliced apple, and honey mustard on a croissant. I usually skip the honey mustard, and feel free to ask for a different type of bread. If you ask nicely, the people at the counter are very accommodating!
3. Let’s talk about breakfast. Whether you’re bored of scrambled eggs, or need a new to-go option, here are some new breakfast ideas that may take a little longer to make, but will taste delicious.
Breakfast Sandwiches
– Egg, apple, and cheese
– Raspberry jelly with Provolone cheese
– Cream cheese sprinkled with cinnamon
– Sliced hard boiled egg, tomato, cheese, salt, pepper, and Tabasco
If a whole bagel seems too heavy for these sandwiches, find a friend to eat the other half or opt for an english muffin!
Cereal Combinations
– I’m a huge Reese’s fan…and the fact that the dining halls have Reese’s Puffs as a cereal option is dangerous. To take away some of the sugar and sweetness, try having a mix of Reese’s Puffs and Kix cereal. To get one of your five-a-day fruits in, add some sliced banana!
– If Rice Krispies seem a little plain, use chocolate milk instead of regular milk.
– Make your own breakfast parfait – Use strawberry and plain yogurt with some of the Nature Valley granola. Add some wheat germ on top and it’s always a bonus if there are berries to mix in!
4. A general rule that I try to adapt to every meal is to leave room on my plate for vegetables. If a tossed salad seems boring, which it sometimes does, try something else!
Veggie Options
– Carrots with Italian dressing
– Celery with peanut butter
– Chopped Greek Salad: cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese with a little olive oil on top
To turn into a meal, grill a piece of pita bread and put all the veggies inside!
5. When you make your exit, always fill up your water bottle. This way you will be tempted to drink more water, and if you want to add some natural flavor, add a slice of lemon, orange, or even cucumber. Also, grab a piece of fruit on your way out so if you want a snack later, you’ll have a healthy one readily available.