Let’s be honest, after about a week into the new school year, the dining options at Seasons gets old.
Students living on campus without kitchens don’t need to give up hope yet because it is possible to find healthy and tasty meals at our dining hall; it just requires a little creativity. Trying something new makes eating healthy more enjoyable and will help keep you from grabbing that ever-present slice of pizza.
Breakfast
Instead of filling up on eggs and toast, or cereal, grab a bowl and fill it with the yogurt of your choice, granola, fruit, and Kashi cereal topping. It’s a healthy way to get all of your proteins, grains, and a good dose of dairy in the morning. Experiment with different yogurts or grains every once in awhile to find your favorite combination. For more creative and healthy ways to start your day, check out this list of healthy breakfast choices provided by the Center for Health and Wellness.
Lunch or Dinner
Taste the world; go for some Mediterranean cuisine by taking a pita pocket to the salad bar and stuffing if with your favorite greens. Check out the Mongolian Grill for some Asian stir fry; try and make a completely unique bowl every time you go! Say “Ciao” to Italian food by visiting the pizza station, which offers the standard cheese and pepperoni pizzas with a unique thin crust option like buffalo chicken. Explore Italian food further at the pasta station, and try the “make your own pasta” station that frequently doubles as the omelet bar.
The Panini Press
Perfect on a rainy Fall day – just slide your sandwich in here for a couple of minutes and dig into a hot, filling meal. Add veggies from the salad bar for a healthier option; and trust me, a fresh Panini is much better than a stale grilled cheese.
Disposable Cups
These items are the perfect way to carry out a snack for those 3-classes-in-a-row and group-meeting days. Fill your cup with yogurt, fresh fruit, and a little granola for a snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and will keep you full. Remember to grab a spoon, also.
Mix-up the Salad Bar
Instead of getting your usual, why not make your own Greek salad using romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and peppers with oil & vinegar dressing? Or, add some protein to your day with a Chef salad: lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, and deli meat from the Sandwich Station.
Fresh First
Before you even think of filling up your plate with heavy carbohydrates, make yourself get fresh foods first; whether it’s fruit, salad, or your favorite vegetables. This way, you won’t load up on pasta and “run out of room” for healthy foods with the vitamins you need. Using this strategy will also make you look at what fruits and vegetables are available each day so you can choose your favorite options.
Delectable Desserts
Of course, dessert is always available at Seasons, but this doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to get ice cream after every meal. However, it also doesn’t mean that you can never treat yourself because my philosophy is to make sure the calories are worth it! Why indulge if you aren’t going to enjoy it? The four ice-cream flavors are alternated daily. The real innovation and variety comes with what you top your ice cream with, whether you want to add your favorite cereal, some whipped crème, sprinkles, or be creative and crumble a brownie from the dessert table over it. When vanilla ice cream is available, scoop some into a cup and make a float with your favorite soda.
Set your ice-cream limits through frequency and portion control and consider trying one of these on other days:
On cold days, grab an insulated cup and fill it with ½ Hot Chocolate and ½ French Vanilla Coffee; and, if you’re feeling really naughty, add a shot of Whipped Cream on top. This treat is guaranteed to get you through an 8:30 a.m. class.
When you’re in the mood for something refreshing, make a Float! Put a scoop of Vanilla ice cream in the bottom of your cup and head over to a soda machine and add Root Beer or Orange Soda.
Finally,cookies! This is one item that the chefs at Seasons almost always get right: soft and chewy. Try the Oatmeal Raisin — one will be enough because the fiber will make you feel full.
These are just some suggestions, but remember that the best way to find variety in your diet at Seasons is to be a scientist and experiment with different combinations, and an adventurer by taking risks and trying new things. Your body will thank you for having a meal that isn’t made up of pizza, French fries, or ramen noodles.
To navigate around food allergies or if you just want to explore this subject further, check out Bentley Dining on the web for information on every place to eat on campus!
What is your favorite way to switch things up at Seasons? Leave a comment below to let us know and give even more ideas to those in need!