Walking into Commons, it’s easy to see how the “freshman fifteen” happens. Hot pizza and hamburgers in one corner, delectable desserts in another, and, of course, a freezer full of ice cream at every meal! Don’t despair, though. It is possible to maintain a healthy, yet satisfying diet at a college dining hall. The 1920’s Common’s is the largest dining hall on campus, offering the widest selection of foods at each meal. If you love breakfast, this is definitely the place to be in the morning. They have everything from scrambled eggs and sausages to pancakes and hash browns. My personal favorite is the Quiche Lorraine. It provides a good mix of protein, dairy, and vegetables. Another healthy breakfast option would be a bowl of Raisin Bran Crunch with milk for calcium and a banana to get some potassium. You could also make your own parfait with the yogurt, mixed berries, and granola to get the same combination of nutritious carbs and calcium.
Lunch offers a range of options: fresh salad bar, pizza, and sandwiches. If you are looking for a light meal, try having one of the mini sandwiches (choose from the tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwiches) with an apple. Or, if you still have a long day of classes ahead, you might want to fuel up with some protein try a burger or chicken sandwich from the grill line along with a banana to keep you going strong. Dinner at Commons is similar to lunch, with additional hot food options, such as a pasta bar or stir-fry. Visit the “Homecooking” line to find dishes like BBQ wings, eggplant parmesan, veal marsala, and meatloaf. If you don’t want an incredibly heavy meal, try starting off with a side salad, then pair it with a chicken breast from the grill for some lean protein.
Commons has made huge strides in accommodating the dietary needs of its students. There is always a vegetarian meal offered in the “Homecooking” line, tofu in the salad bar, and veggie burgers at the grill. Soy milk is also available. Finally, if it’s been a long day and you need a little pick up, be sure to check out the dessert table. The brownies and cookies are okay, but you shouldn’t skip the Boston Cream Pie or the Caramel Apple Pie. They are totally worth the splurge as long as it’s only every once in a while. Ice cream, however, is actually a pretty healthy dessert option because it’s a great source of calcium and dairy protein. All in all, Commons provides an assortment of cuisine able to meet anyone’s tastes. It’s a perfect way spend an hour between classes catching up with friends.
By Maja Warrum