How to eat healthy with a dining plan

By Emma Pawlitz epawlitz@iu.edu | @emmapawlitz

Acollege dining plan is rare- ly easy to navigate regardless of the school or culinary options. Here’s three tips that can help you avoid the freshman 15 and utilize I-bucks to your healthiest advantage:

Go to C-stores

ere are a handful of C-stores located across di erent campus residence halls.

ese stores are slightly bigger than what you might nd at a gas station with just less variety than what a normal grocery store o ers.

e C-stores possess a wide range of frozen meal options, and many of them are designated as a “lean” or healthier option. Instead of springing for fried chicken at an all-youcan-eat dining hall, maybe try a frozen chicken and veggie pasta instead. e stores also have plenty of standalone ingredients like bread, peanut butter and packaged fruits that can help you avoid less healthy alternatives from the dining halls. Treat the C-stores as your miniature grocery store, and you’ll be in good shape.

Avoid the grease

Sure, we all know that dining halls thrive o of greasy fried food, but don’t forget to take a look at soups, salads and sandwiches every now and then.

A burger or chicken strips won’t kill you, but they will if that becomes your daily go-to meal at the IMU or any other dining location. ere are distinctive salad bars at almost every culinary location on campus and other healthier options that might not just stick out to you at rst.

Like any normal person, though, it’s not unhealthy to crave a meal that might not be super nutritious in content. Still, make sure to balance out your breakfast, lunch or dinner with the fruits and vegetables that dining halls still o er.

ILLUSTRATION BY JULIETTE ALBERT

Plan ahead

is might sound much simpler in theory than it is in reality, but planning ahead can lead to a much healthier lifestyle.

If you have a day packed with classes and no time to head back to your dorms or leave the neighborhood you’re in, bring yourself a sack lunch from home. It might feel childish, but you’ll feel a lot better about yourself without having to resort to the onion rings and garlic bread at the nearest dining hall.

Even if it’s just packing a bag of peppers, carrots, orange slices or an apple, you’ll save money while adding a dose of healthy vitamins to your meals.