Dining Hall Diet: Planning Healthy Meals On Campus

Eating healthily in a dining hall can be a challenge, but with a little creativity, it's possible to make nutritious and tasty choices. From taking advantage of the parfait station to opting for grilled fish and brown rice, there are plenty of ways to eat well without sacrificing flavour.

Take advantage of the parfait station by opting for Greek yoghurt and frozen berries

When it comes to dining hall diet plans, it's important to be creative and make healthy choices. One way to do this is to take advantage of the parfait station by opting for Greek yoghurt and frozen berries. Greek yoghurt is a great source of protein and can be a healthier alternative to regular yoghurt. Frozen berries are a nutritious option and can be used instead of fresh berries, which may be higher in sugar.

When creating your parfait, consider adding some granola for crunch and extra nutrients. However, be mindful of granola with added sweeteners or chocolate, as these can increase the calorie count. Instead, opt for plain granola or a small amount of your favourite nuts and seeds.

If you're looking for a more savoury option, try making an omelette with egg whites and plenty of vegetables. Dining halls often offer made-to-order eggs, so you can customise your omelette to your liking. Avoid adding cheese or salt to reduce the fat and sodium content.

Additionally, whole wheat or 12-grain toasted bread with avocado is a simple yet nutritious option. Avocado provides healthy fats and can be paired with a variety of toppings, such as salt, pepper, and hot sauce, to add flavour and spice to your meal.

Choose a combination of whole grains, vegetables, fruit and lean protein

When making a diet plan for a dining hall, it's important to choose a combination of whole grains, vegetables, fruit and lean protein. This can be applied to every meal, according to Natalie Rella, MPH, CPH, a health promotions specialist at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.

For breakfast, take advantage of the dining hall's made-to-order eggs. Opt for egg whites and fill your omelette with plenty of vegetables. You could also make a healthy parfait with Greek yoghurt, frozen berries and no added sweeteners.

For lunch and dinner, you could make a healthy version of a Chipotle classic. Start with a serving of brown rice and add lettuce, tomatoes, corn and peppers. Add some chicken and reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and top with guacamole or avocado spread.

If you're looking for something lighter, try whole wheat or 12-grain toasted bread with avocado. This meal is packed with protein and carbs that will supply energy for the rest of the day.

Dining hall fish can also be a great option. Top a serving of brown rice with tilapia or salmon and squeeze some lemon on top for added flavour.

Make a healthy version of a Chipotle classic with brown rice, vegetables, chicken and avocado

Eating healthily in a dining hall can be challenging, but with a little creativity, it's possible to make nutritious and tasty meals. One option is to make a healthy version of a Chipotle classic with brown rice, vegetables, chicken and avocado. Here's how to do it:

Start with a serving of brown rice, which is a whole grain and a good source of complex carbohydrates. Add some vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and peppers. These provide fibre, vitamins and minerals. Then, add some chicken for lean protein. If you want a vegetarian option, you can skip the chicken or replace it with beans. Finally, add some healthy fats with avocado or an avocado spread. You can also add a little reduced-fat cheddar cheese for extra flavour.

This meal provides a good balance of whole grains, vegetables, protein and healthy fats. It's a filling and nutritious option that can be easily customised to your taste preferences. You can also try other healthy dining hall options, like a parfait with Greek yoghurt, frozen berries and no-added-sugar granola, or a whole wheat toast with avocado and spices.

If you're looking for more protein options, dining hall fish can be a great choice. Grilled tilapia or salmon with brown rice and lemon is a tasty and healthy way to change things up when grilled chicken gets boring. Remember to take advantage of the dining hall's made-to-order options, like eggs. Opt for egg whites and fill your omelette with veggies to make it healthier.

Opt for egg whites instead of regular eggs and fill your omelette with vegetables

Eating healthily in a dining hall can be challenging, but with a little creativity, it's possible to make nutritious choices. One way to do this is to opt for egg whites instead of regular eggs and fill your omelette with vegetables. This simple swap can make a big difference in terms of fat and calorie content.

When making an omelette in the dining hall, ask the chef to use only egg whites and load up on the vegetables. You can choose from a variety of options, such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. By filling your omelette with vegetables, you'll not only increase the nutritional value of your meal but also add flavour and texture.

To make your omelette even healthier, consider skipping the cheese and salt. Cheese is often high in fat and sodium, and while a little sprinkle of salt may enhance the flavour, it's not necessary. You can still enjoy a tasty omelette without these ingredients.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, pair your vegetable omelette with a side of whole wheat or 12-grain toast. This combination will provide you with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep you energised throughout the day. You can also add a healthy fat source, such as avocado, to your toast for extra flavour and nutrition.

Remember, making healthy choices in the dining hall is all about being mindful and creative. By opting for egg whites and filling your omelette with vegetables, you're taking a step towards a nutritious and delicious meal. Enjoy your healthy dining hall creation!

Pair whole wheat or 12-grain toast with avocado for a protein and carb-filled meal

Eating healthily in a dining hall can be a challenge, but with a little creativity, it's possible to eat well without getting stuck at the pizza station. One great option is to pair whole wheat or 12-grain toast with avocado. This meal is a great source of protein and carbohydrates, which will give you energy throughout the day.

To make this meal, start by toasting a slice of whole wheat or 12-grain bread. You can find this type of bread in most dining halls, and it's a great source of whole grains. While your bread is toasting, prepare your avocado. Fresh avocado is best, but if you can only find avocado spread, that will work too. Once your bread is toasted, spread the avocado on top. You can add salt and pepper to taste, and even a dash of hot sauce if you like spice.

This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide your body with energy. They also contain fibre, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling full. Avocado is a great source of healthy fats, and it's also high in potassium and fibre. When you combine whole grains and avocado, you get a meal that will fuel your body and keep you feeling satisfied.

If you're looking for other healthy options in the dining hall, there are plenty of choices. You can make a healthy parfait by combining Greek yoghurt, which is high in protein, with fresh or frozen berries. Avoid adding granola with extra sweeteners or chocolate, as these can be high in sugar and calories. Another option is to take advantage of the made-to-order eggs. Opt for egg whites instead of regular eggs, and fill your omelette with vegetables. Skip the cheese and salt to keep the fat and sodium content low.

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