We all know our biggest fear in college is… freshman 15. Well, Sodexo at Hale Aloha Cafeteria doesn’t really help. If you know, you know.
Sodexo received a shallow score for quality of food, but what are you going to do? Can’t eat out every day because #brokecollegegirlstruggle and that can quickly become unhealthy. Also, you can’t fill your mini-fridge with many groceries between you and your roomie. So this means… you just have to work with it!
Here are some tips and tricks that can be used on campus or any campus:
Remember its the little things that count toward achieving your goals.
The app LifeSum and https://www.choosemyplate.gov can help you.
First off, water is so important for your body. 60% of your body is water. Drink at least two liters a day. My goal is to drink at least four, 40 oz hydro flasks a day.
Before heading to the Caf, check out https://uhm.sodexomyway.com/dining-near-me/resident-dining-list for the whole menu for the week. Using the site lets you plan ahead. It was my best friend freshman year.
At least Sodexo cares to offer nutritional information.
It also gives you the option to track your food.
ALL of the nutritional information and menu is available for you.
Here is the nutritional information provided for Herb Grilled Chicken Thigh:
Choose lean meats. They’re always your best friend.
- Shrimp
- Fish
- Chicken
- Eggs– great breakfast, lunch and dinner option. Quality protein with many vitamins.
Carbs are friends. Just watch the portion size.
Studies state that a portion size for you personally should be about the size of your palm, but that is not always right. It’s just a suggestion.
- Rice
- Noodles
Luckily the vegetables are local from the island so don’t skip filling a whole plate and eating veggies from the salad bar.
Healthier options on campus using your swipes and points:
CC Salads. Duh the salads are bomb.
- When I eat salads, I lay off of the dressing. It adds over 100 calories to your salad.
- Save half of your salad for dinner then you don’t have to go to the caf and save money/swipes. Prevents overeating.
Jamba Juice
- The bowls and smoothies are great. Just be careful with the extra juice added. Additional sugars are hidden enemies; you can ask for substitutes.
Plate Lunch
- There are many options here for healthy protein and vegetable substitutes
Stir Fresh
- Poke!
For anyone who struggles with digesting the food, I found drinking kombucha every night helped.
Aside from Sodexo, your dorm should be filled with staple foods
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Hummus (carrots and hummus!!!)
- Nut butter
- Deli meat
- Oatmeal
- Nuts
- Protein powder
Invest in a rice cooker because it also can steam other food.
Invest in a blender to make smoothies.
… use the common kitchen to meal prep.
Treat yourself to something other than campus dining. You deserve it.
Nutrition focused instagram handles: