Walking into a dining hall when you are hungry can lead to pizza and fries every night. With a simple plan, you can eat well without counting calories or giving up the foods you love.
Use the MyPlate Method
The USDA MyPlate guide is an easy visual to follow at any meal:
- Half your plate: fruits and vegetables, from the salad bar or the hot line
- One quarter: lean protein like grilled chicken, eggs, fish, beans, or tofu
- One quarter: whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or oatmeal
- On the side: water or milk instead of soda
Smart Dining Hall Habits
- Walk a full lap before you grab a tray so you can see all the options.
- Pick one treat you really want instead of a little of everything.
- Grab a piece of fruit on the way out for a later snack.
You do not need a perfect diet. Building a balanced plate most of the time will give you steady energy for classes, workouts, and late study nights.