Having spent all summer looking at college campus' with my daughter, I have begun to evaluate all aspects of college life. For this instance I will focus on the big question, is "college nutrition" an oxymoron?
Thinking back to my college days (yes, I can remember that far back) dorm food was just that — dorm food. It was full of carbohydrates, processed everything, and designed to feed the masses. There just were not a lot of options available so you either ate Ramen Noodles in your room from a hot pot, consumed cafeteria delights, or hoped someone on the floor had a mother who recently sent a "care package" you could pilfer. Nowadays, things are a bit different. Colleges have many more options available to students. From regular dining halls with dietary demands being met, salad bars available with meal plans, to coffee houses on campus, or restaurant style grilles to accommodate late night eating and their own imitations of food courts. My, how times have changed!
So, can I assume my child will eat healthy when she goes to college? Will she choose that salad bar over the burger and fries on a daily basis? Will she drink a smoothie instead of a milkshake when given the choice? I just hope higher education institutions continue to evolve when it comes to supplying healthy food options to these young minds. Then the onus is on us parents to make eating healthy instinctual. It's important for the mind and the body; now more than ever. Forget the Ramen Noodles and bring on the salad bars! Let's hope they make those good choices.
