Eating healthy on campus is possible, and it’s easier than you might think.
Vast improvements have been made to campus dining options in the last few years thanks to the dedicated dining services team and Chef Tom.
At just about any time, freshmen can get healthy, fresh meals without changing out of their pajamas. The Eateries are conveniently attached to the first year dorm complex.
Wrap-It-Up offers custom made wraps and sandwiches with your choice of meat, cheese, vegetables and condiments. Vegetarian options, including portobello mushrooms, tofu and hummus are also available in addition to a variety of salads and soups.
For a healthy, balanced meal, choose a whole grain wheat wrap, a lean protein such as grilled chicken, turkey or tofu and add as many different colored vegetables as you can. Food is available at the Eateries until 11 p.m. on most evenings.
Residents of Hill, Hoyt and Pittman can visit CrossRoads MarketPlace for custom-made sandwiches, turkey burgers and veggie burgers. Daily meal specials are also offered, and include rotisserie chicken, catfish or tilapia with various vegetables including baked and sweet potatoes.
Residents of Buell, Best, Downing and Wise are located near the newly renovated Dining Commons. The Commons is a great place to get fresh fruit and home-style, hot and healthy meals.
But keep in mind that the buffet style of dining can make portion control more difficult and remember to exercise moderation. Fill your plate with mostly fruits and vegetables and choose whole grains and lean meats.
Eat slowly; if you are still hungry after your first plate then go back for more. It’s best to build a focused, satisfying meal without getting carried away.
It is likely wherever you have class, healthy food is nearby. Eagle Cafés are located in the basement of Halle Library, Alexander Hall, Sill Hall, Marshall, McKenny Hall, Pray Harrold and the College of Business.
Featured items at these locations are the new salad shakers — a smaller, more portable portion of a delicious salad. Salad shaker varieties might vary daily and include quinoa, tomato mozzarella and cobb.
Non-creamy soups, sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt and whole grain products like bagels or granola bars are other excellent choices available at these locations.
In the Student Center, Green Market Bistro is a great place to go for healthy options. Food at The Bistro is always vegetarian or vegan. A popular item is its variety of freshly made hummus served with pita chips. Each day there are two hot meal choices such as a stir-fry dish or a pasta dish. Offerings change daily and are often based on the season.
New to the Student Center this year is Salsa Grille, a Chipotle-style eatery with delicious, made-to-order Mexican food. For a healthy and flavorful meal, the burrito with black beans, guacamole, extra veggies and salsa is a great choice.
You can also eat well without leaving your room. Dorm dwellers can stock their mini fridges with healthy and portable snacks that can be eaten in the room or brought to class. Fruit, low-fat milk and yogurt, granola bars and whole-grain cereals are excellent choices.
Don’t be afraid to venture out and try all of the different campus eateries. Eastern’s campus has a lot of healthy choices; it’s up to you to take advantage of them.
Forget the energy drinks and reach for water, tea, low-fat milk and other unsweetened beverages. Choose veggies and dip over chips as your crunchy snack. Choose grilled items over fried.
Add extra vegetables to your sandwiches and pick low calorie condiments like mustard.
Practice moderation and enjoy what you eat.
