| Campus Dining provides healthy alternatives |
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| Written by Vince Tassi, Daily Vidette Sports Columnist |
| Friday, 05 September 2008 00:00 |
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Illinois State's Campus Dining Services is changing its selections to accommodate more health-conscious students. Three years ago, Jacquleen Ludwig, now a senior nutrition and dietetics major, conducted a study with other students comparing the food served in Watterson Food Court to fast food restaurants. "We decided to compare the food [served in the dining centers] because it was something we were all interested in," Ludwig said. Ludwig claimed she was very surprised with the results from their research. According to their previous study, a hamburger at Boomer's Grill had 653 calories and 43 grams of fat. In comparison, a McDonald's hamburger has 310 calories and nine grams of fat. Another comparison included in their study was Taco Bell versus Pepe's. Three soft shell chicken tacos at Pepe's had 690 calories and 37 grams of fat. In the same order at Taco Bell there are 600 calories and 21 grams of fat. "Going into the study I thought we would come out with comparable results, but we didn't at all and that surprised me," Ludwig said. Ludwig's study also included a survey based on the responses of 150 students. Of those students, 83 percent of them indicated that they wanted more nutritional food in their dining centers. Sixty-seven percent of the students felt that the food in Watterson was unhealthy. "We wanted to change the perception of Watterson Food Court. We wanted to give students healthier options," Dianne Feasley, R.D. and assistant director of campus dining, said. Over the last three years, Campus Dining Services has made considerable changes. This year, Watterson Food Court replaced Chick-Fil-A with a more nutritional eatery, Fresh Bites. "Fresh Bites is a healthy alternative. They provide whole grain foods, lean meat, grilled fish and vegetables," Feasley said. Changes in portions have been made as well including changing hamburgers at Boomers Grill from one-third of a pound to one-fifth of a pound. They are also cooked in healthier trans fat-free oil. "Other changes we have made are smaller cookies and muffins. We try to gently reduce the portions, and not encourage over-consumption," Feasley said. The Marketplace at Linkins opened just last year. They offer a variety of healthy foods including a Mongolian grill as well as fruit, salad and sandwich bars. Southside in Feeney changed their Pepe's into the Red Bowl, which offers students a rotating menu of Mediterranean, Asian and Latin American cuisine. Feasley claimed plans have started to completely remodel Watterson Food Court within the next few years. Watterson was last remodeled for the 1996-97 school year. "We do care about the students and we want to hear what our customers have to say," Feasley said. "We want to offer the students a variety a different foods, but students should also take a personal responsibility when it comes to the foods they choose to eat." |
