Staff suggestions for eating well at school
By Ryan Lyesiuk
Observer Contributor
Healthy nutritional habits in a college student’s life often lead to improved overall health, according to Katherine R. Kusza, Registered Nurse at MWCC.
According to Kusza, a healthy diet consists of a balanced nutritional intake, including a blend of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and low-fat dairy products. Reducing your overall calorie intake by eating smaller portions and more frequent meals is important as well in maintaining a healthy diet.
Kusza provided a sample of a balanced meal from ChooseMyPlate.gov. The meal includes half a plate of fruits and vegetables, half a plate of grains and proteins, and one serving of milk.
ChooseMyPlate.gov provides other diet tips as well. Tips included sticking with low-fat dairy products, incorporating more fiber, consuming additional whole grains, eating fewer fatty foods, and avoiding excess salt.
What other advice does Kusza provide? “Drinking more water and less sugary drinks is important as well,” along with, “avoiding too much caffeine, especially after 12 p.m.” Avoiding soda, energy drinks, and alcohol is key to maintaining a healthy diet as well. Following these tips will reduce sugar and calorie intake, thus leading to a healthier overall diet, according to Kusza.
The Food for Thought pantry on campus is an excellent source of snacks, prepackaged meals, and other miscellaneous foods for students in need, according to Kusza. Students are referred by a faculty or staff member, or they can refer themselves if needed. The pantry is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m.
Students are allowed to receive up to 20 items per month and are encouraged to supply their own bag or reuse the pantry bag provided to them. Kusza said, “donations are always welcomed at the pantry as well.”
The Green Street Café located on the first floor of the main building at the Gardner Campus provides several healthy food alternatives, according to Kyle Legrand, Assistant Manager of the café include salads, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. Healthy drink options include water, unsweetened fresh tea, coffee without added sugar, low-fat milk, and V8 energy drinks, according to Legrand.
“The café strives for local, organic options, while keeping prices down,” stated Legrand. Green Street Cafe is not subsidized by the state, thus keeping food at a price that is reasonable to students, but allows the café to break even, according to Legrand.
When Legrand was asked the most popular healthy choice made by students he said, “definitely the salads.”
When asked what was the most popular less healthy foods purchased by students, Legrand stated, “the chicken tenders, burgers, and french fries.” Soda, which contains a large amount of sugar, is a popular beverage option among the students as well, according to Legrand.
Comments are closed.