When your son or daughter goes off to college, it is a time of change in many ways. One of those changes is eating habits. Late night eating patterns and unhealthy eating choices are part of the inevitable lifestyle of a college student. However, eating well on campus is possible, even for the picky or busy student.
How Can You Help?
Discuss with your student the best options for eating healthy while in school. You know your son or daughter’s eating habits (for better or for worse), so try to help your student make plans for how he or she will eat.
The Meal Membership Experience.
Students who eat in the dining halls generally eat healthier than students who grab food at fast food places or make macaroni and cheese in their dorm rooms. Grocery shopping and preparing food in a residence hall can be difficult, and students who rely on convenience often don’t consume enough fresh fruit and vegetables.
The residential dining halls are convenient and always have a salad and fruit bar with plenty of healthy options. The Fresh Food Company, Bulls Den Cafe and Juniper Dining offer unlimited choices for one entrance price. There are many meal memberships to choose from to help you get the most from your investment. The menus constantly change and there is a variety of tastes, including vegan choices and locally grown foods.
The USF dining facilities are great places to meet friends, learn about campus events, and participate in the many dining hall parties and nutrition programs offered throughout the semester. Even students who live off campus can benefit from a meal plan. The dining halls offer “take-out” boxes and have convenient hours for commuter students to grab a balanced meal while on campus or to take home with them.
Not Sure What is Offered on Campus?
Be sure to visit our residential dining halls when visiting USF and check out our “Menus” tab on our website (www.usfdining.com) for the weekly menu at our locations. Click on any item found in the menu for nutritional information. Don’t see exactly what you are looking for? No problem! The food in our dining halls represent the “Recipe of the Day,” however you can have them made to order to suit your dining preferences and needs.
Just4U for a Healthier You!
Check out our Just4U tags located next to any “Just4U Certified” menu item. These items may include vegetarian and vegan options, as well as low sodium and calorie counted items. For more information, please visit www.diningstyle.com/just4u.htm.
Watch What You Say
Even though your child is now in college, they are still growing. This means that your son or daughter may change in body shape or size throughout their time at USF. Learning how to eat in college is part of the learning experience and making a big deal of it can cause added stress. Avoid recommending fad diets or food plans that promote quick weight loss. If you are concerned about a noticeable change in weight, nutrition counseling is available at the Student Health Services. For more information please visit www.shs.usf.edu/ or contact Kim May, RD, LD/N at (813) 974-4936.