In the cold, drab, and depressing days of winter, we oftentimes get off track health-wise. As the weather in Michigan turns cold, the holidays bring in enough food to keep us otherwise occupied: Halloween and candy, Thanksgiving turkey, Hanukkah doughnuts, and of course, Christmas cookies. The winter season is filled with times of delicious, but unhealthy eating habits. To get you right back on track—just in time for spring break season—I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks for eating healthy!
Fiber Bars: A bar of crispy, crunchy strands hardly sounds appetizing. However, I’ve found some that you are bound to enjoy. These bars are great if you’re on the go headed to class, the CCRB, or just studying at the UGLI! Kellogg’s FiberPlus bars come in a variety of flavors, including dark chocolate almond and chocolately peanut butter, so you can satisfy your craving for sweets, while also getting in fiber AND antioxidants! Along the same lines, South Beach’s Living Fiber Fit bars have 36% of your daily fiber and were voted the “Best Snack” in 2009 by Shape Magazine. These bars come in even more tantalizing flavors, including Mocha, S’mores, and Berries ‘n Créme.
Middle-Eastern Food: For some reason, unbeknownst to me, Middle-Eastern food is incredibly delicious—and healthy. Hummus with veggies or pita bread is healthy, quick, and tasty. Hummus is made from relatively few fresh ingredients and is high in iron, vitamin C, and protein. It’s even good for vegetarians and vegans! But we all know that meals are just as important as snacks! Look no further! Rendez Vous on South University is a great place to stop. Try a Greek salad, lentil soup, or a pesto chicken wrap!
Sushi: It’s no wonder that sushi has sky-rocketed in popularity over the past few years. High in Omega-3 acids, fish lowers your chances of getting heart disease and cholesterol. Try sushi with just sticky rice and vegetables if raw fish isn’t your thing. Or, try it with shrimp! For a quick, local fix, try Sadako or Ayaka on South University. Not only will you be on your way to a better beach bod, but you will also be looking posh at the same time.
Get Creative! Sometimes, all it takes in a little creativity before you are on your way to healthy eating. A popular choice by both food critics and students is Laughing Cow Spreadable Cheese Wedges. Spread it on crackers, a whole grain English muffin, or whole-wheat toast for a satisfying snack. The low fat wedges are only 35 calories! Try exchanging carb-heavy pasta with green beans and tomato sauce for a tasty lunch or dinner. Creativity is everywhere—even in the dining halls! The next time you feel the creativity rush, head over to Mojo’s dining hall for a create-your-own stir-fry. It is a health-conscious dinner, prepared exactly to your liking! No longer can you use the excuse of, “There’s nothing healthy here for me to eat!” With a little imagination, there are no limits to the kinds of culinary creations you can make!