There’s nothing like grabbing a quick bite to eat in between classes on campus. As a student here at Montclair State University, we are all familiar with tasty places to eat between classes. However, if you are a senior here, like myself, you may begin to dread the same food choices that have been available for the last four years.
It can be a very difficult choice sometimes, especially when you are trying to diet. It is even harder when you are trying to lose weight and feel the food offered in Montclair State’s dining services are packed with calories.
It's college. The food is disgusting ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ I feel healthy even if I eat 1 proper meal a day 😳😂
— Adi 💎 (@ZealMuke) September 30, 2019
Montclair State has an array of food locations such as Chilis, Which Wich, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panda Express, Grill Nation, California Tortilla, Rathskeller, Bistro 62 and the list goes on.
All the foods here are great, however, there are only a few healthy options at places like Chop’d and Au Bou Pain. They are the only two locations great for those trying to cut back on calories. Of course, the food locations here have healthy options that are just as tasty as the vast majority of the menu.
For example, in a feature on their website I just learned about, Montclair State dining services has a site that allows you to see what options are in your desired category.
Using this site, I was able to see Chili’s has a “Lighter Choices” section on their menu, even though its menu has limited choices like their margarita grilled chicken, lighter choice salmon and grilled chicken salad.
https://twitter.com/reinhardte5/status/1104458278430523392
There are over 75 items on Chili’s menu, but only three healthy choices. It would be nice to have just as many food locations on campus specifically for healthier options.
The university should offer a fresh smoothie bar, juice bar, Panera Bread and other stores that offer a larger selection of healthy options for those on a diet.
When I asked different groups of students at the university what they think about the food on campus, four out of every five students believe that Montclair State needs healthier options on the campus. I also noticed that many of the students admit that since coming to college, the food selections offered are part of the reason they have noticed an increase in their weight.
I'm still used to the huge variety of food stalls my University had. This college needs to up its food game up! A girl needs to eat!
— krissy (@supermingkki) September 18, 2017
The term “Freshman 15” is an expression that is commonly used amongst college students that believe to have gained at least 15 pounds or more in their first year of college. When you’re living with your parents, a large number of the amount of food you eat, and what you eat, is normally already arranged for you.
Going to college and having boundless options of unhealthy and easy-to-access snacks from the vending machines are usually things that cause most students to gain weight, which is why Montclair State should offer foods that are meant for those who are trying to eat healthily.
