It’s easy to put healthy eating habits on the back-burner in a setting as stressful and fast-paced as college. Diets can be challenging to maintain, but many dietary accommodations are met for Sacramento State students. With campus eateries and the free guidance available for those looking to understand healthy lifestyles, the possibilities for health are exceptional.

For the healthy-minded student or those looking for a bit of health-kick in his or her daily diet, there are many healthy, yet decadent dishes offered on campus.

Located on the first floor of the University Union, Epicure dining staff and Chef Aaron Franco work together to provide a dazzling menu that caters to diets and tastes of all kinds. Simmering cheeseburgers, vegan burgers with black bean patties, crisp salads and soups are available options on the menu for under $10.

With several tempting eateries on campus, it’s useful to know how to navigate menus effectively in order to accomplish dietary goals.

At The Well, valuable insight and guidance for healthy eating is provided by Sacramento State’s Student Health Service Nutritionist Shauna Schultz.

“We (The Nutrition Program – Health and Wellness Promotion) put out a healthy campus dining guide that is updated every semester,” Schultz said. “We highlight how to order healthy menu items as well as to modify existing menu items.”

Aside from providing people with help to better understand nutritional content and menus on campus, Schultz also provides people with help in understanding nutritional content and menus on campus.

“Good Eats offers a great selection of fresh vegetables – you can build your salad and add tofu or chicken for protein,” Schultz said. “They also offer healthy sides like black beans and roasted vegetables.”

Modifying sandwiches by adding more vegetables and salad dressings is another step students can take when choosing to dine healthily on campus.

“Togo’s can be a healthy option especially since you have control over what they put on your sandwich,” Schultz said. “I like the half sandwich, half salad option. Choose avocado, cucumber, hummus, or turkey without mayo and opt for vinaigrette over creamy dressings.”

Clearly, there are several options for students wanting to eat healthier, but special dietary needs are met on campus as well.

The campus provides labeled gluten-free, vegan and specialty snack options like chocolate and oatmeal bars at the Courtyard Market. According to the Dining Services Mystery Shopper Program evaluation form from 2012 provided on the campus dining website, the Courtyard Market scored a possible 88 out of 96 points, and also had an additional comment that claimed the “food tasted amazing.” Gluten-free cookies can be found at EcoGrounds Coffee and Mother India Express provides an affordable, filling vegetarian-friendly option with wraps stuffed with tofu and vegetables.

Sac State students can find comfort in knowing there are many places on campus that cater to special dietary needs and provide healthy dining options. Campus restaurants truly put the students first by making sure to offer a wide array of choices for everyone. Go out and check them all out – you might find your new regular lunch stop.

Hope Roberts can be reached at [email protected]

Cody Powell-McClintick can be reached at [email protected]