AP Writing

The Cable

The College of Saint Scholastica

Carb Conundrum?

By: Kate Murphy

DULUTH, MN—College is a strange, anxious and exhilarating time when you’re floating somewhere between dependence and independence. You are no longer in high school; you’re facing the “real world.” Maintaining healthy eating routines can sometimes be harder than passing that organic chemistry or general psychology exam. Everyone goes through changes during these college years and finding balance away from home can be a challenge, especially for those with specialty diets.

College cafeterias, late-night snacking, and busy schedules that leave little time for proper eating or exercising, may lead to that dreaded “freshman 15.” This doesn’t have to be the issue, especially at the College of Saint Scholastica. So how can you avoid some of the dietary pitfalls commonly associated with the college lifestyle? I went to the college’s director of food services, Jean Anderson, R.D., to find the answer to this question.

Before asking questions to Anderson, I browsed for information about the food service on Saint Scholastica’s website:

“The College of Saint Scholastica Food Service Department is committed to providing the college community and guests with the highest quality nutritious food. The accomplish this we will use fresh ingredients, offer the best quality and value possible, present a varied menu and provide for the special needs of our patrons. Well-trained, knowledgeable and courteous employees will focus on services as our highest priority.”

Being a newly diagnosed diabetic, I have had to make great changes to my diet; I have to watch my carb intake, yet still eat well-balanced and healthy meals. It is a daily struggle that I have to deal with every single day of my life, but there are many other people at the college who also go through restrictions. Whether it is an allergy towards dairy or gluten intolerance, the food service program at the College of Saint Scholastica will accommodate any needs that arise.

“We will work with the student one-on-one,” Anderson said. “We can provide menu labeling, which can be highlighted in certain ways to show what is being served. In the past, we have stored product for them and have purchased specialty food items.”

What if you are unsure of the products ingredients or amount of carbs in a slice of gluten-free bread? When in doubt, ask.  The information is accessible to everyone, if you just go up to one of the trained workers and ask your questions. The food you eat shouldn’t be unknown or hidden from you.

“We read ingredient labels all the time for people,” added Anderson.

With the Greenview Dining Room providing access of information to those who need it, is one way that support is given to those who do have dietary restrictions. Even if you do not have a specialty diet to follow, the GDR always has healthy options so that the dreaded “freshman 15” won’t be a problem. When scanning the buffet lines, you can notice the endless amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits and lean proteins.

“’Freshman 15’ isn’t just based on diet, but lifestyle,” added Anderson. “It isn’t totally about food; it’s about exercise as well. You do need to have a balanced diet but it is more about your lifestyle choices.”

The Greenview Dining Room provides an array of choices for the hungry college students. There are healthy options, such as the popular salad bar, with lower in fat choices, such as hummus and tofu. There are, of course, choices for those of us who cannot get enough of the fried French fries and juicy hamburgers. Nevertheless, there are always a variety of alternatives, especially those with nut, gluten, dairy or vegetarian limitations. College gives students independence, and GDR reinforces that by giving us the ability to choose what to eat. The Greenview Square allows the famished college students to have the workers make a meal any way they want. By filling out a piece of paper, you have the freedom to decide whether or not to have pepperoni or green peppers on your freshly baked pizza.

“Everything in moderation,” said Anderson. “If you balance your meals and include a variety of choices, you will be better off.”

In the past, we were told to follow the food pyramid. Today, the United States Department of Agriculture has us abide by MyPlate, a plate with designated area amounts of what to include into our meals. It is an added reminder to eat well-balanced meals; emphasis is made on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk products, with inclusions for lean protein but restrictions placed on fat, salt and sugar.

A college student’s lifestyle can be hectic, with late-night studying, endless amounts of homework and group projects to complete. More stress can be added onto one’s schedule when dietary restrictions are a part of a person’s day to day living. Being a diabetic, I know that I have to be careful with what I consume. I have to watch my carbohydrate intake, as well as eat healthy and exercise. Whether you are diabetic or have a particular food allergy, the Greenview Dining Room gives you the opportunity to find out what you are feeding your body. All you have to do is ask.

Kate Murphy is a freshman at the College of Saint Scholastica, where she is currently majoring in journalism.