One important thing to keep in mind is all things in moderation. Try to diversify meals, incorporating several food groups. This is good nutrition for body and mind. Here are a few suggestions from what works for some Oles while dining:
“It’s quite easy to eat healthy at St. Olaf. We have so many options,” Megan Makeever ’12 said. “I look for the signs on the menu that indicate whether the dish is nutritional or organic. The salad bar is AMAZING! And, as hard as it is to refrain from the desserts in the Caf (or those Cage cookies!), I usually allow myself to have one goody a day, which motivates me to make healthier choices for the rest of the day. Depriving yourself makes you want them more.”
This mindset is somewhat similar to the French philosophy of eating. They eat a variety of foods and when they want a little “goody,” they have it in moderation. So, live a little by giving into that dessert temptation – but only once!
“There are almost always healthy choices in the home line, and fresh fruit or a side salad make good sides,” Reid Johnson ’14 said. “Milk or water are great beverage choices instead of soda or a shake. At the Cage, the chili or the sandwiches are pretty good, but I steer clear of the chicken tenders or other fried things.”
Don’t forget…having soda or some mozzarella sticks is okay! Just not on a daily basis. Find some alternatives that sound good (water and Powerade are best to stay hydrated) or some wheat toast. Complement your meal with fruits and vegetables, and make sure that some meal throughout the day includes complex carbohydrates (more substantial energy) and protein. The choice is yours!
When it comes to buying your own food (say at Target, Cub or the bookstore), the snack isle is beckoning shoppers to cave to enticing Pringles, cheese puffs, or Pop-Tarts. Buy these OCCASIONALLY! These snacks aren’t super great for satisfying after-class munchies. If you would like to have some food in your room (say you’re on the 14-meal plan), here are some more tips on how to shop smart:
“Try to get bars (i.e. Kashi or Clif. Chewy, not so much) or something that’s organic, because bars are more filling than chips or chocolates and organic is better for than environment,” Eric Stafford ‘14 said.
“My roommate and I have cereal and granola bars for morning food, and lots of juice boxes. Other than that I have some raisins and occasionally we buy pretzels or graham crackers. We usually try to keep room food minimal so we don’t snack too much between meals,” Jane Burton ‘13 said.
Another heads up: if you buy snacks in a bag, eating out of the bag is dangerous! Grab a handful or two and be done. A snack isn’t a meal, so don’t get too crunch-happy. Also, when buying snacks, take a look at the ingredients. If there are a handful of long, unfamiliar, funky words, that usually means the product has little resemblance to “real food,” despite its taste.
We often find ourselves susceptible to three things: fats, sugars, and salt. But we don’t need pizza and candy bars everyday to make us happy. Actually, after a while, it bogs you down. The constant “quick energy” fixes won’t sustain you to perform well. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
So, there are a few friendly recommendations that will hopefully guide your eating habits. Pair your healthier choices with some physical activity of your choice, remember to take everything in moderation and you’re on your way to feeling (and looking) better not just in 2011, but for life. This year, make it a life resolution!