At some point or another, almost every Amherst student has encountered difficulties in navigating the limited food options at Val. From the “Jamaican Jerk Chicken” to the “Ginger Carrot Artichoke soup”, there are a number of dishes that people simply do not like. Here are some possible alternatives for when you aren’t in the mood for Val’s traditional offerings:
The core and common ingredient among these suggestions is the rice cake.
Rice cakes are an extremely low-calorie (35 each) carbohydrate with no fat and miniscule amounts of sodium (30 mg each). They are a great alternative to bread and a smart choice for healthy eating.  Studies show that eating rice can increase one’s serotonin levels, which in turn are responsible for one’s happiness levels. While they may seem to be a rather boring and bland snack, it is easy to spice them up!
1. PB & J Banana Rice Cake
2 Plain rice cakes (located near the bread and toasters in Val)
1 Packet of Justin’s peanut butter
1 or 2 spoonfuls of the Local Tripleberry Jam or Grape Jelly
Topped with banana slices
2. Yogurt Parfait Rice Cake
2 Plain rice cakes
2 scoops of yogurt
Frozen berries from the smoothie bar
Sprinkle some granola on top
3. Pizza Rice Cake
2 Plain rice cakes
2 scoops of marinara sauce from the pasta bar
Handful of shredded cheese
Any toppings depending on one’s personal tastes (Example: chopped chicken breast from salad bar)
NOTE: Heating the rice cake in the microwave or toaster is not advisable because the rice cake may burn.
4. Hummus Rice Cake
2 Plain rice cakes
Choose a type of hummus offered near the salad bar.
Top with chickpeas, carrots, or other vegetables from the salad bar
5. Rice Cake Open Face Sandwiches
Instead of making a tuna or chicken salad sandwich, try spreading making an open face sandwich with rice cakes. Â You’ll be cutting about roughly 150 calories! You can top it off with some mustard or lettuce depending on your preferences.
6. Mexican Rice Cake
If Mexican is offered that night, use guacamole or refried beans as your base spread. Top with whichever toppings you may choose from cheese to sour cream to chopped chicken breast.
These ideas are just a few of the numerous possibilities you can create using rice cakes. If you keep an open mind, almost anything goes!  Comment with suggestions!