One of the best lessons I’ve learned in life is, if you don’t know the answer to something, find someone who does — don’t pretend to know it.
I’m not a nutritionist (nor do I play one on TV), but if you’re looking for free diet advice — or want help creating a custom meal plan tailored to your lifestyle — check out your college or university’s Student Health Services department. Most campuses have a dietician on-site, and after attending a brief orientation, you can schedule one-on-one appointments to make sure you’re eating healthfully and exercising properly for your body. (And yes, you read right — in most cases, this service is absolutely free!)
With that in mind, here are some free resources that may help you dodge the dreaded “Freshman 15:”
- You may have grown up learning that you should eat 3-5 servings of veggies and 6-11 servings of grains (and so on), but did you know that the food pyramid is a little different for everyone? Try out the USDA’s My Pyramid widget to discover exactly how much of each food group you should be consuming each day.
- What constitutes a “portion,” anyway? Here’s a quick guide to keep in mind whether you’re filling your plate in the dining hall or contemplating doubling that sweet recipe you saw on Collegiate Cook.
- Looking for fresh, locally grown produce? Use this locator to help you find a farmer’s market in your area, or learn how to start your own.