Just in time for the new semester, University Dining is making it easier for those of you…(ahem)…us who made resolutions to eat healthier, wiser and less frequently.
Thanks to a new program called the “Dietitian’s Dish,” diners at main campus eating establishments can choose a special offering each day, with step-by-step instructions on how to make it. You can even get help from one of 13 NC State nutrition students called “Dining Diplomats” to steer you away from the items that send the numbers in your MyFitnessPal app soaring.
From now through spring break, the dining halls at Fountain, Clark and Case will have a special table set up at the entrance to help students, staff and faculty make good choices in building a meal, beginning with a special creation from NC State’s nationally recognized dietitian Lisa Eberhart.
Most of the tasty meals come in at about 600 calories, depending on how much you deviate from the instructions. (Add an orange or some other fresh fruit on the side, but steer clear of the tater tot bar if you want to keep the calorie count in triple digits.)
“The most unique thing about this program is that we are using undergraduate nutrition majors to be the face of the Dietitian’s Dish,” Eberhart says. “I help with the development of what is actually on the plate, but we let these students show people the dish and give them instructions on how to make it.”
And they get good response through social media. Anyone who takes a picture of their Dietitian’s Dish plate and posts it to any social media outlet can show it to one of the diplomats on hand to receive a free T-shirt.
The only obstacle so far? Getting folks to spell “dietitian” correctly in their hashtag.
Otherwise, it’s been a well-received program that encourages discussion on healthy eating for all patrons.
“There are a lot of healthy options that are served on campus and in the dining halls,” says diplomat Nikki Short. “A lot of people complain about how they think cafeteria food isn’t good or isn’t healthy, but there are always healthy options available here. You don’t even have to look that hard.”
Eberhart particularly wants faculty and staff who don’t often go to the dining halls to give it a try.
“This is the healthiest, most cost effective option for staff and faculty to eat on campus,” Eberhart says. ‘We always have fresh fruits and vegetables, salads and a lot of other options. Even if you just fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, it is always going to be healthier than other places you go.”
Want to give the Dietitian’s Dish a try? Comment on this story and Campus Enterprises will select random winners for a free lunch either Fountain or Clark dining halls.
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