You’ve read the statistics, you care about the earth or the animals or your health, and you’re ready to make a switch for the better by cutting meat out of your diet, but there’s just one problem—you’re a college student. With the never-ending supply of hamburgers, chicken nuggets and pepperoni pizza available, transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle may seem about as likely as Morgantown suddenly becoming flat and the PRT working perfectly. However, with a little mindfulness, going meatless in college can be easy, affordable and delicious!
If you have a meal plan, take full advantage of the offerings in the dining halls. At the beginning of each week, scope out the menus for the halls closest to you so you have an idea of what’s being served. Almost all of the dining halls on campus offer at least one vegetarian option per meal, but it’s good to know ahead of time if it’s something you like. (Pro tip: Of all of the halls on campus, Boreman Bistro is the most veg-friendly with its typically wide variety of meat-free choices, like veggie sausage at breakfast and tofu dishes frequently at lunch and dinner.) If all else fails, the salad bar can be your best friend. Load up on leafy greens, but don’t forget things like cheese, beans or eggs—without meat in your diet, it’s important to seek out alternative sources of protein. Also, snag a piece of fruit or two before you leave for when you inevitably get hungry in your dorm later!
Many of the other university-owned coffee shops and grab-and-go cafes offer delicious vegetarian options as well. If you’re on Evansdale, stop in the Greenhouse Café in the CPASS building or da Vinci’s in the library for salads or made-to-order veggie sandwiches and hummus wraps. The Brew ‘n Gold Café, located in Towers, offers a selection of pre-made salads and veggie wraps, as does Eliza’s in the downtown library. With the exception of Eliza’s, all of these places accept dining plans and are excellent choices for hungry vegetarians on the go.
If you’re not the lucky owner of a meal plan, or if you’re just tired of eating in the dining halls, a vast majority of restaurants around Morgantown serve tasty veg-friendly dishes. Asian cuisine is always a safe bet, with a variety of vegetables, noodles, rice and tofu wide enough to delight even the staunchest of meat lovers. (Try Great Wall, New Foo Sheen or Chaang Thai!) If you’re in the mood for something more American, fan-favorite Tailpipes offers black bean burgers or marinated Portobello mushroom caps in place of meat patties on all of their burgers, and at Clutch Wings, you’ll find tofu wings right alongside the traditional chicken wings. When you find yourself ordering that Friday night pizza with your friends, opt for a veggie pie or stick with the classic cheese. If your friends can’t part with their beloved pepperoni, offer to go half-and-half!
When it comes to groceries, your choices as a vegetarian are endless. If you’re living in the dorms, keep some staple items like peanut butter, protein bars, popcorn and pretzels or crackers in your room to satisfy any snack attacks. If you have a microfridge unit, consider stocking up on fruit and veggies (baby carrots and sugar snap peas make great study snacks). Yogurt, cereal and milk, oatmeal, canned vegetable soup (check the label—beware of chicken broth!), hummus, cheese sticks, bagels and mixed nuts are also great, dorm-friendly foods to put on your shopping list. If you’re living on your own and have access to a kitchen, a quick search online will give you hundreds upon hundreds of quick, cheap, tasty vegetarian recipes. Try to buy your ingredients in bulk when you can and make enough to have more than one meal. Leftovers will be your wallet’s best friend!
While it may be tempting to head straight for the Chick-fil-A counter or to grab a plate of spaghetti and meat balls at the dining hall, maintaining a vegetarian diet in college can be just as easy and flavorful. If you get discouraged, just remember why you made this decision. Whether it’s for the animals, the planet or your health, you’ve made a great choice! Don’t think of vegetarianism as closing doors, but rather, as opening new ones. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things and find foods that work for you. Bon appetit!