Having an unlimited meal plan for Campion makes avoiding the freshman fifteen as difficult as avoiding the urge to pick up money on the street. Although this type of eating pertains mostly to freshman, it’s important that all students on campus learn new ways to overcome “all-you-can-eat”. It’s not an uncommon problem to overeat on this type of college diet, but it is not impossible to try to eat better either. We went into Campion and did a bit of investigative journalism to figure out a menu for our more cautious hawks. Here’s what we found:
The Long Lines:
It’s time to eat and your hungry but each food line is so long! Try to pack a snack in your bag, or eat something before so you don’t wait in line hungry. You’re more likely to binge eat and grab whatever you can find when you pick out food hungry. Resist!
The Free Sides:
Campion is loaded with goodies you can take home with you. For instance, bring a bag and grab a couple extra pieces of fruit. There are usually always apples and bananas out. The same goes for bread and cereal, and bagels and cream cheese. Use a napkin to grab bread or bagels, and cups to get cereal. They are good tricks for when you are on the run, or don’t want to come back later!
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Breakfast
You should not skip breakfast.
Oatmeal is always a great option to keep the calories low, and add fiber to your daily diet. Try not to add anything else to your bowl of oatmeal since it is higher in carbohydrates. You can add some raisins here and there, but avoid brown sugar and even granola, since granola tends to be high in sugar. You can also add a small bowl of fruit (banana, or grapes…no apples) and a delicious cup of tea to your breakfast. Avoid the omelets unless it is egg white, and is meat and cheese free. Also only have Special K, Cheerios, or Raisin Bran cereals.  If you can avoid coffee it would be better since coffee dehydrates the body.
Lunch
You want to keep lunch simple. First, you need some protein and some carbs. The make-your-own sandwich station is a wonderful option. Grab some whole-wheat bread, two pieces of either roast beef, tuna, or turkey, some lettuce and tomato (no mayo) and you’ve got yourself the perfect lunch sandwich. If you can find lemon, it adds extra flavor. Avoid the chips or French fries by any means. The grease and carbohydrates load on sellulite. Avoid the ice cream station. ​Try to also avoid sodas or any kind of sugary drinks because they will only add empty calories and excess sugar to your meal. To complete your lunch, grab a cup of green tea. It will help you burn fat and it is also a helpful detox.
 Dinner
Dinner at Campion is the perfect time to relax with a couple of your friends and enjoy a meal. You may be tempted to grab pizza or French fries after a long day. Don’t cave! Your best option for dinner is the home food station in the back, or the salad station. A make your own salad does not have to be boring. One great salad recipe that can be made easily in Campion is as follows:
-Salad mix of your choice
-turkey slices
-2 hard boiled eggs
-dried cranberries
-croutons
-carrots
-grapes
-cucumber
-light balsamic dressing
yum!
Although Campion is not the easiest place to keep a balanced diet, there are ways to get around the high calorie impulses. Do not beat yourself up! It is part of the college experience. The next time you’re in Campion, maybe give these tips a try. HCXO