I want to establish a balanced diet as I transition to life on campus. Can you help?

It’s an adjustment to go from eating at home with your family to eating on your own in a college environment.  Here are a few simple tips to help maintain a balanced eating schedule:

• Don’t diet or skip meals.  Research shows dieting is ineffective and leads to overeating, which leads to weight gain.
• Introduce new food options slowly.  Choose one new food each day to try.  Don’t worry – if you don’t try a certain food today it will show up on the menu again soon!
• Include a fruit and/or vegetable at each meal.
• Choose water over juice or soda to stay hydrated.
• Exercise or be active most days.

If you still have questions, please contact UDS at udswell@umn.edu or 612-626-8977.

I have food allergies/restrictions. What should I do to make sure I don't eat something I shouldn't?

If you are a student living in the residence halls, please contact UDS at udswell@umn.edu or 612-626-8977. A UDS representative will contact you to discuss your allergies/restrictions and review the UDS menus so you know what is safe for you to eat. If you are not living in a residence hall, UDS can still help clarify which food options are safe for you to eat. You can also ask the managers at any of our retail or residential locations for assistance.

I am a vegan/vegetarian.  Are there options for me?

Yes!  There are many options available for both vegans and vegetarians.  In the residence halls look for the Just4U symbol next to entrees that are vegan or vegetarian.  Contact UDS at udswell@umn.edu or 612-626-8977 if you would like some more ideas for vegan or vegetarian options around campus, in both our retail and residential locations.

What are healthy study foods?

It can be easy to rely on caffeine and oversized packaged snacks when are studying, but these items can lead to unnecessary weight gain.  Here are some suggestions that you can keep in your room and can be taken with you when it’s time for class.

• Single serving microwave popcorn
• Single serving pretzels, baked chips or crackers
• Trail Mix (1/4-1/2 cup serving)
• Apple with peanut butter
• Baby carrots with low fat dip
• Low fat yogurt
• String Cheese

How do I know what a healthy portion size is?

It can be confusing to figure out how much is a healthy portion size.  To learn more about portion sizes for each food group, visit www.mypyramid.gov for a detailed tutorial. Contact UDS at udswell@umn.edu or 612-626-8977 if you have additional questions.