Do you have a food or nutrition question?  Feel free to ask the Nutritionist.  Your question will be answered within five business days.  Please note that this service is for Clemson students, faculty and staff only and all communications are strictly confidential.  The question and answer will be posted here and is intended for educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical care.

Q:  Over the past year, I have received the question:  "What is a healthy diet?"

A:  According to the USDA's My Pyramid, a healthy diet is described as one that:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & fat-free/low-fat milk products
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, & nuts
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), & added sugars
• Stays within calorie limits, based upon your gender, age, height and weight
• Visit their website to learn more: www.mypyramid.gov

Click the "Fresh & Healthy" tab at the top, then click the "Tips From the Nutritionist" tab on the left to check out what has been posted! 
New information gets posted every month, so make sure you come back and get fresh, new facts and tips.

Want more information? 

Check out Phase 1-4 of my Healthy Eating and Wellness Guides.

Phase 1- Healthy Eating
Phase 2- Healthy Choices Made Easy
Phase 3- Estimating Portion Size
Phase 4- Physical Activity

Q:  There have been a number of questions about gluten free dining on campus. 

A:  Eating gluten free when you are out of your own environment is challenging.  If you combine that with being on your own for the first time, trying to find options gets even more tricky.  We at Clemson Dining Services have tried our best to provide as many options for those students, faculty and staff trying to eliminate gluten from their diet.

• No sauces or marinades containing hidden sources of gluten are used in many of our baked entrees.
• We use potatoes or rice at nearly every meal period.
  • Harcombe dining hall serves brown rice at every meal.
• Many of the vegetables we serve are steamed without the addition of any sauce or seasoning.
• There is an extensive salad bar at all three dining halls, with some of our dressings being gluten free (please ask if there is no sign).
• If you do not find a suitable option, you can talk to a manager on duty and they will help you find an option that will suite your needs.

I have found that most of the time, finding sutiable options in the dining halls comes down to the level of familiarity with your surroundings.  In order to help out our students that are trying to eat gluten free, I will set up an introduction session between our staff and the student.  I will personally introduce them to the management teams and lead cooks at all three dining halls.  I have found that this alone helps students to feel comfortable asking questions to the staff or management about the food being served that day.

Click here to e-mail the Clemson Dining Services Nutritionist

• First Name (last name not required)
• Phone Number (not required)
• E-mail address (required)
• Are you a Clemson student, faculty, or staff member? (required)