How to eat healthy at UC San Diego

     Hi there UC San Diego! Congratulations on surviving your first official week back in the grind of the academic year.  I know how tough it can be to get adjusted after a long summer off, but rest assured these next 9 weeks will fly by in the blink of an eye.

    Before we get to far along into the fall quarter, I thought this would be the perfect time to address a big topic that definitely comes across the email inquries quite frequently, and that is "how to eat healthy while dining in college". Hopefully by now you have been able to get out and use the Dining Passport to try some of the delicious choices offered throughout campus; pizza, tacos, waffles, burritos, burgers, sandwiches, gyros, the list could go on and on.

    Although these are definitely delicious choices, some items may be higher in nutrients than you need to maintain a healthy weight. So the question then remains how does a college student indulge while avoiding gaining the freshman 15? Bring on the Taste Buds!

    Throughout campus all the HDH Dining Services operations offer a Taste Bud Approved menu choice that is not only nutritious but delicious! Dining's Executive Chef Vargus and myself, your HDH Registered Dietitian, have come up with a arsenal of menu choices that have the perfect balance of calories, fat, sodium, protein and fiber to keep your engines running while you conquer your days activities!

    Here's the list of what criteria Taste Bud Approved menu choices must meet:

       So, how can you identify these menu choices? Well, just take out that mobile phone and check out the UCSD Dining App. All location menus are available for you to view to see what options have the Taste Bud Approved logo (shown below) next to them.

 

       Can't seem to find what your looking for? Check out the "I'm craving" feature on the mobile app, or feel free to email me directly at tastebuds@ucsd.edu and I would be happy to help you navigate your nutrition in our units!

Detour: John Muir College

Muir College, the next stop on our Campus Eats! Tour, is home to HDH’s restaurants that truly resemble the motto for the community, “Celebrating the independent spirit”. Found within the structures of Muir include the dining unit Pines, our vegan friendly Roots restaurant and John’s Market.

Root’s, the University’s first exclusively vegan/vegetarian restaurant, has received nationwide recognition for the diverse menu offerings at this gem. Its location is a bit off the beaten path, hidden beneath Pines; however their menu definitely packs a huge flavor punch. Interested in trying a combination of unique ingredients and flavors that complement each other in a way your taste buds have yet to experience? Well, if your answer is yes, I encourage you to step inside the orange room and place your order for the Pacheco Pass! http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningMenus/default.aspx?i=32

Pacheco Pass

 

Take a short walk up the stairs and you will enter the University’s most recently renovated dining unit, Pines. No matter the time of day you enter, you are bound to run into a classmate here for it is the campus’s most popular dining hall that features many different options. Craving sushi? Pizza? Pasta? Carved Sandwiches? A home cooked meal? No problem! Scott and the team of Pines are sure to provide you with a satisfying and wholesome meal. Check out the stir-fry station to get a made to order bowl with your favorite choice of proteins and sauce. http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningMenus/default.aspx?i=01

 

Tofu Curry

Tired from a long day? Don’t worry, just stop into John’s Market and Rosario and the team will help you find a convenient meal to meet your needs. Fresh produce, check. Milk, check. Bread, check. Almost any staple grocery item you can think of is available on the shelves of this small but spectacular location. Aren’t finding what you are looking for? Don’t worry, just ask and our team will be happy to help you! http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningHours/PlaceandMarket.aspx#johns

 

Johns Market

Interested in learning more about a particular topic? Feel free to email me at tastebuds@ucsd.edu or follow HDH on twitter & check Facebook for upcoming events featuring the Taste Buds!