Making healthy choices in a college dining hall can be more tricky than you think. Â Without nutrition labels, how can you be you totally sure of what exactly you are putting into your body? Here are a few suggestions to make your food choices a little healthier!
You Want: a pre-made yogurt parfait
Instead: Make your own parfait!
Yes, the pre-made parfaits are easy to grab when you’re in a rush but, with over 500 calories and about 70% of your daily carbs, they are not the healthiest choice. Take the extra minute to grab a 10 oz cup and make a smaller parfait that you can customize with your desired fruits and toppings.  Add honey and some granola for extra flavor!
Or
Head to an On The Fly or to the Chocolate Bar and pick up a Chobani!
You want: a Pre-made salad
Instead: Make your own!
Again, it may be convenient but it is not the healthiest option! How can a salad be unhealthy? Well, it’s what’s on top.  It’s all the extra cheese and salt that has been added for flavor to some of the ingredients.  Making your own salad allows you to add ingredients in better moderation.  Grab a fresh apple, cut it up and put it on top of your salad.  Even add some pineapple! Your salad doesn’t need to be boring but it also doesn’t need all the unwanted fat that the pre-made ones contain.
You Want: Doritos or Cheetos
Instead: Pita Chips and Hummus or peanut butter
So it’s not exactly the cheesy snack you were looking for but this healthy alternative is adding in about 9 grams of protein!
You Want: Easy Mac or Ramen
Instead: Whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce
Although we all hate leaving our dorms in the cold The whole wheat pasta will keep you fuller longer than the processed ingredients in Easy Mac and Ramen.
You want: Brown Rice
Instead: Baked Potato
Although potatoes get a bad rep because they are a starch, they are a better alternative to rice. Rice has more protein but a baked potato has half the carbs than rice has and a much lower sodium content. Plus, it is a vegetable so the potato is going to have more vitamins!
You Want: a F’Real Chocolate Milkshake
Instead: Odwalla Chocolate Protein Monster
This Odwalla shake is going to have more protein and more vitamins than that milkshake will! It also has half the carbohydrates and a fourth of the fat! If you like your milkshakes thicker throw the Odwalla into your freezer for a half hour! You can do this with any Odwalla for thicker smoothies as well!Â
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Photo Sources:
http://missjordanlee.blogspot.com/2010/06/lets-eat.html
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Boscos.Beach.Market.321-676-8974/picture/view/2279529
http://www.fitforafeast.com/baked_pita_chips.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/451725-is-spaghetti-good-for-weight-loss/
http://www.lifewithlissy.com/2012/08/monday-with-meg-perfect-baked-potato.html
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