National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month ®. National Nutrition Month ® is a month long nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
For more information about National Nutrition Month® visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
Tips for Eating Healthy in the Dining Hall
Dining halls are full of healthy food options. A little planning and knowledge will help you make healthy food choices and know the options that are best for you.
- Look at menus before going to the dining hall, so you will be ready to create healthy, balanced meals.
- In the all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities, take smaller portions and use a smaller plate to avoid eating too much.
- Try to make half your grains whole grains like 100% whole grain bread and oatmeal.
- Avoid consuming sugary beverages (sodas, cappuccinos, energy drinks, fruit beverages, sweetened teas, sports drinks, etc.) and drink water or reduced-fat or fat-free milk instead.
- Try to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Add vegetables to pastas, eggs, pizza, sandwiches, and soups. Add fruit to your cereal or yogurt.
- Save desserts and special treats for special occasions. Try a yogurt and fruit parfait when you can't resist.
Healthy Tips for Your Dorm Fridge
For food safety, refrigerators should be maintained at a temperature of 40 °F or below. You should regularly check the temperature with an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator. Stock your fridge with a variety of healthy foods for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Keep low-fat cheese available to pair with 100% whole-grain bread or crackers, or for omelets and quesadillas made in your dorm microwave. A low-fat cheese stick can also be used as a quick snack.
- Pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables are a convenient snack. Pair vegetables with your favorite dip or add them to omelets and quesadillas.
- Keep fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruit and beware of added sugars and syrups. Add fruit to yogurt or cereal for a quick breakfast or snack or eat your favorite fruit for snack.
- Keep plenty of water in your refrigerator to keep hydrated throughout the day.
- Store nuts and nut butters in the refrigerator to last longer. Add to apple slices or whole-grain toast or crackers.
- Keep eggs in your refrigerator. Make scrambled eggs in a microwave safe bowl or mug for a quick breakfast or snack. Add vegetables and a little cheese for extra flavor.
- Keep fat-free or reduced-fat milk and yogurt in your refrigerator. Add milk to oatmeal or cereals, or just a glass of milk to drink. Mix yogurt with fruit, nuts, or cereal for a quick breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert.
- Hummus is another option in a dorm refrigerator. Pair hummus with pepper slices, carrots, or other raw vegetables or add hummus to crackers.
- Keep salsa on hand. Pair low-sodium salsas with a small serving of whole-grain tortilla chips, raw vegetables, or add to an omelet or quesadilla.
Tips for Staying Active for College Students
As college students, it can be difficult to find time for physical activity. You will feel more energized and better about your health even if you are only active for a short time period.
- If you live on or near campus, try to walk or bike to class. If you drive to campus, park farther away from the building to lengthen your walk.
- Avoid using elevators and escalators by taking the stairs instead when time permits.
- Join an intramural team to remain active in your spare time or get a group of friends together and play a sport in your spare time.
- Visit the recreation center to keep active. Vary the activity and the time you go to the recreation center to avoid boredom.
- Take a fitness class at the recreation center or take a fitness class for college credit. Sign up with friends to make it more fun.
- Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride with friends in your spare time to catch up.