Buh Bye 2014- Get at me 2015!

I'm sure you're probably just about as done with 2014 as I am, I mean come on, this has to be the LONGEST QUARTERS EVER, right?! Well don't fret, you're soon to be on your merry way to enjoying the holiday season and relishing in all the festivities that await you over these next two weeks.

To entice you though to WANT to come back to campus in 2015, HDH has a few tricks up our sleeves that may just leave you saying, "Get at me 2015... now!"

What am I talking about? Well, for starters, HDH's Dining Services has done it again and bought ANOTHER FOOD TRUCK! This winter, the brand new Flavors of the World Truck will be making its debut on campus. Be sure to check out the Dining Locations page or the HDH Facebook Page  for the latest updates on when this little piece of heaven on wheels will be rolling around your neck of the woods come January. 

If that wasn't enough, HDH also is debuting the first round of LIVE cooking segments in the 64 Degrees Demonstration Kitchen. Be sure to check the Dining Home Page for an easy link to sign up and get your seat! The Taste Bud Duo will dazzle your taste buds with delicious and nutritious meals for you to make using only the latest and greatest items from your neighborhood HDH Market.

I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and look forward to a fantastic 2015 with you all! Stay safe...happy healthy holidays!

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!

Surviving Finals: 101- Guest Post!

Check out the latest advice from our guest contributor, Ms. Evelyn Nash over at Warren.

 With finals week approaching quickly, I am definitely spending more time studying and less time cooking.   Surviving on less sleep and more caffeine than usual, the pastries, energy bars, and other convenient items start to look more appealing.  BUT…in order to properly fuel my body and my brain I have found that substituting meals with snacks is not sufficient. Food is fuel and I need to nourish my body with the proper carbs, fats, and proteins.

To help make some changes I found this amazing website called MyPlate.gov (http://hdh.ucsd.edu/TasteBuds/healthyhabits.asp) with tons of tips and tricks to eat well.  Searching the site the other day I found that the more "convenient" items we tend to go for do not satisfy my hunger.  While these items might taste good, they don’t replace the value of a “real meal.”  So, here are some tricks I have found helpful and thought I would share with you so you too can be in tip top performance for your exams!

Breakfast:  As easy as it might be to just grab a donut from Earl's in the morning, I find that I am usually hungry within an hour after doing so.  MyPlate.gov recommends that women between the ages of 19-30 consume 6 ounces of grains a day and men at these ages consume at least 8 ounces! I have been loving the little individual to-go oatmeal cups! They are just as easy as grabbing a muffin but actually give me more fiber to help fuel my body all morning.

Lunch: When lunch rolls around grabbing a bag of chips or a power bar may seem like the best possible time-crunch choice, but the Market-To-Go sandwiches or a quick salad made from one of the Dining Services Restaurants is much better at keeping my brain clear and alert.  Having a more substantial meal with proteins and good-for-you carbohydrates as opposed to a salty snack will help you maintain your focus for your long afternoon.

Dinner: I don't know about you but when the clock hits 6pm my stomach starts grumbling.  Entering the Dining Services Restaurants I am overwhelmed by the smell of the grill items like the fries, burgers, and pizza. Though all are delicious and can fit in a balanced meal plan, I have found choosing the Taste Bud-approved meals instead to be a no-brainer! I love not having to rack my brain about what’s the healthiest choice for me and know it will taste good, too.

My biggest tip to survive finals week would be that when it comes to meals, don't take the easy way out with quick packaged convenience foods. There are just as many, if not more, balanced meal options on campus that will actually sustain you through those 1am cram sessions.

Best of luck with Finals!

-Evelyn

National Peanut Butter Day

Did you know that each and every day of the year has its own food holiday?! Well, today just happens to be National Peanut Butter Day. I am a huge fan of peanut butter and its great nutritional profile, making it enjoyable at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Peanut butter often gets a bad rap because it’s relatively high in calories and fat; some versions even contain the dreaded “trans fat.”

 As I have said before, it’s truly about balance and moderation. If you enjoy a natural peanut butter, then by all means spread that on your toast and have a banana for a perfect combination. However, for those like me who like peanut butter a little too much, then let me introduce you to my good friend, PB2.

PB2 is a powdered peanut butter sold in all Dining Services Markets across campus. PB2 has 85% less calories than regular peanut butter, for the oil is removed and all that’s left is crushed peanut powder. To enjoy this tasty treat, all you have to do is mix the powder with water (or almond milk for a sweet taste) and spread just like you would a regular peanut butter. What’s cool about PB2 is that you can also add it to your oatmeal and smoothies for a nice nutty taste without the added fat.

Just the other day at ERC I was talking with a group of students about this product and had them intrigued by the sound of it! Many UC San Diego students have already hopped on the PB2 train and are stocking up on this hidden gem in their rooms. Don’t miss out! Be sure to stop into your Campus Market today and pick some up for yourself. Stay tuned for a PB2 event happening at the Incredi-Bowls Food Truck in February; you won’t want to miss this!

 

Want to become famous while eating PB2?! Be sure to check out the #HDHeats contest on the Taste Buds Facebook page to learn more!

 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!

 

First Stop! Sixth College

Whether you’re housed in Sixth College or have you stumbled upon this neck of the “woods,” you’re in luck to find some unique treats.  Foodworx, one of our main dining units, may have a tiny space but they pack a mighty punch!  (http://hdh.ucsd.edu/foodworx/)

Craving a pizza? You’ve come to the right spot. The daily menu features a Make-Your-Own Personal Pizza after 2pm until close in which you can add your fav toppings to create a culinary masterpiece. Or try one of our classics, the Vegetarian or Pepperoni & Sausage. Sharing these “personal pizzas” not only allows you to experience the great food options available, but also keeps your nutrition in check to get the right balance in your diet.

Vegetarian Pizza

To satisfy your sweet tooth, grab some friends and split a Foodworx Classic, the Smore’s Pizza. Sharing these “personal pizzas” not only allows you to experience the great food options available, but also keeps your nutrition in check to get the right balance in your diet.

 

Smore's Pizza

Also housed over at 6^th is the 6^th Market, run by Miss Kelly! She’s a friendly face that can answer any of your marketplace questions. (http://hdh.ucsd.edu/DiningHours/PlaceandMarket.aspx#sixthplace)Not seeing something you want? No worries!!! Just let her know and she’ll be happy to work with you. One of her favorite picks over at 6^th that is also a great afternoon snack option (Taste Bud approved!!!): BoomChicka Pop and Apple Slices!

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!

 

 

It's time for the Taste Buds!

Welcome to the HDH Taste Buds blog! You may have seen my face on one of the table tents at our restaurants or watched me cook with the other Taste Bud, Chef Vaughn, over at The Zone's Tasty Tuesday's events! For those who don’t know me yet, here’s the 411:



 Hi! I'm Liz!

I am the HDH (Housing-Dining-Hospitality) Dietitian here at UC San Diego. I am an advocate for YOUR nutrition, health, and overall wellness. I love to talk about food, recipes, fitness, exercise, hot trends in nutrition, new products on the markets...basically anything that revolves around the health field.

I enjoy creating new recipes using unique flavor combinations that  taste great AND are healthy. Don’t write me off as a food-judger just yet; for me, it’s all about balance and moderation. To satisfy my sweet tooth, I enjoy this latest creation from my kitchen: chocolate fudge peanut butter brownies...made out of black beans. Recipe coming soon!

I live a very active lifestyle and am a huge fan of hiking, rollerblading (it may be retro, but it’s great cardio!), and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of.

I love questions, too! I want to be your go-to place for health & wellness tips, recipes, and even suggestions for hidden gem eateries in San Diego. Thanks for checking my blog out!

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!