8 Tips for Eating Healthy at the Dining Halls in College

During my first semester as a freshman in college, dining halls were my go-to. They offered convenience and a wide array of choices. But lo and behold, I started to pack on some extra pounds! Dining halls can be deceiving; not all “healthy-looking” food is good for you. And let’s be honest, portion control is not always easy for everyone (me included). Here are some tips for eating healthy at the dining halls.

Eat Fresh

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, go fresh! Be wary of veggies soaked in butter or fruits from a can. These usually contain hidden sugars and chemicals. And while salads are great, watch out for those high-calorie dressings. While those are delicious, they often have added sugars, unhealthy oils, and other unnecessary ingredients. A simple mix of olive oil and salt often does the trick.

Watch your portions when it comes to dessert

Got a sweet tooth? Me too. It’s tempting to grab a dessert after every meal, and then maybe an extra portion right after, but it’s not the best idea. Consider healthier alternatives like mints, dried fruits, or a piece of fresh fruit. Turn desserts into a once-a-week treat rather than a daily habit.

Related: 11 Tips To Lose Weight & Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

Get creative

Sometimes you have to get creative. Maybe you crave chicken pasta, but the dining hall only offers pasta and chicken separately. So what? Combine them! I know that is a pretty dumb example, but you get the idea. Think outside the box when it comes to assembling your meals.

Opt for Lean Proteins

Grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins like tofu and legumes are usually better options than fried foods or fatty meats.

Listen to Your Body

Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. It sounds simple, but it’s easy to ignore your body’s signals, especially in a social setting like a dining hall. Eating slower might help with this as it takes 20 minutes from the time you start eating for your brain to send out signals of fullness.

Go online

Most colleges provide online nutritional information for their dining hall food. Do yourself a favor and check it out; knowledge is power when it comes to what you’re consuming.

Related: 10 Ways To Avoid The Freshman 15

Drink water

Avoid sodas, lemonades, and sugary juices. Stick to water or, if you must have juice, dilute it. As someone who comes from a different culinary culture, I find American drinks overwhelmingly sweet. Diluting them helps, and hey, it’s half the calories!

Portion control is key

It is so easy to overeat at dining halls. Be mindful of how much you put on your plate. Start with smaller portions and only go back for more if you’re genuinely still hungry. This not only helps you maintain your weight but also minimizes food waste.

Scope out all the food stations in the dining hall first, before you decide

Scope out all the food stations before you start piling up your plate. Pick the options you like most and skip the rest. You’ll end up with a meal that satisfies without leading to overindulgence.

Bonus Tip: If you find that the dining hall isn’t meeting your needs, perhaps cooking is the next step for you. Especially for those with specific dietary needs or those who are just picky eaters (like me), cooking your meals can be a great alternative.