Campus Food Chronicles: Microwaves, Meal Swipes & Midnight Snacks

School is back in session and that means that a lot of us are back on campus - whether we are attending classes or giving the lectures. It can be difficult to find ways to effectively manage your nutrition during this busy time of year. I have compiled a list of tips and tricks for managing food while at college.

• Plan in your meals - by this I mean making sure that your class schedule allows time for meals. You will need time in between your classes to eat! It's something that can often be overlooked while you are scrambling to register for the classes that you want and need to take. If you've made this mistake and are now realizing that you don't have time to eat during your day, it's not too late to make changes to your schedule. IF IT IS TOO LATE TO CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE: work with your dietitian (hopefully Jen or Abby) to create a plan to make sure that you are able to get meals in.

• Ask professors if you can eat in class - Sometimes instructors will be okay with you bringing snacks into class, especially if the class is a longer session. If that is the case, pack some snacks that can be eaten quietly during instruction.

• Carry snacks that can be eaten in transit - think of things like apples, crackers, granola bars, etc. that can be easily eaten while on the go.

• Be aware of what you can and "cannot" take with you from the dining hall - some schools have pretty strict rules about this so it is important to inquire so that you know what you can carry out. Depending on what the rules are, have some ziplock bags or containers handy to transport food out of the dining hall. (we aren't tattling if you sneak out some food)

• Buy snacks and things that you can keep in your room - focus on a good variety of things: Carbohydrate snacks like crackers, chips, etc are easy but also be sure to include

proteins like deli meat, edamame, canned tuna or chicken (be sure to be respectful of roommates when it comes to scents)

• Be aware of special hours at the dining halls and cafes - take note of hours for all of the options on campus, especially on days when your schedule may not comply with typical meal times.

• Know your off campus options - can your dining dollars be used off campus at grocery stores or local restaurants?

• Have some pots and pans on hand for cooking - have some simple things that you can make if needed in your room/on your floor. Some campuses have kitchen areas available, but you can also use a microwave to make some easy meals if you are unable to make it to the dining hall.

• Be aware of what your meal plan includes - is it worth it to switch from using a credit or debit card to switching to dining dollars? (some schools offer incentives to have dining dollars so that your money goes farther)

• Go with friends and have a plan around meals - this will make it easier for you to get to the dining hall. Especially on weekends - give yourself an incentive to go!

• Get creative with what the dining hall offers - your dietitian can help with creativity when you feel stuck in a rut with what is being offered in the dining hall. For example: makeshift nachos, chicken wing dip, etc!

• Bring things back to your room - make sure you have what you need in your room (legally or otherwise)!