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April 10, 2007

It ain’t Easy Eating Green

You may not need any Centrum yet, but you’re likely aware that your health is as important now as it will be in your golden years.

Story by: Anthony Williams

The Shorthorn Scene Editor

The Shorthorn: Illustration by Amy Riley

You may not need any Centrum yet, but you’re likely aware that your health is as important now as it will be in your golden years.

Even with our generation’s body-image issues, making choices at the grocery store often comes down to the mighty dollar.

When 100 percent apple juice costs more than Hawaiian Punch, college students with failing finances will likely go for the cheaper, artificial drink. The same situation comes with cereals and on every supermarket aisle. But even college staples like ramen can amount to almost 40 percent fat and include a lot of sodium.

“It’s definitely more expensive to eat healthier,” said Hillary Timmers, Health Services peer education specialist. “You want organic food and fresh vegetables, but it can cost you $9 for a bag of apples.”

Timmers said students with meal plans should always just grab a piece of fruit for later.

Scene asked her for more tips to help the average, poor student maintain a more nutritious diet.

1. Be careful when reading advertisements

There are tons of products labeled “good for you.” Timmers said foods like Nature Valley granola bars can sustain you, but things like Vitamin Water often do very little and cost more money.

“Well, just to save money, I wouldn’t spend money on bottled drinks,” Timmers said.

The same goes for snacks and treats.

“If it’s something you really, really enjoy, it’s worth it to treat yourself once in a while to feel worthy. Otherwise you’ll overdo it.”

2. Substitute items where possible

Lots of students go for fast food because, well, it’s fast. Even when doing so, Timmers said to look for any alternatives the restaurant may offer.

“Eat grilled chicken instead of fried,” she said. “If you eat salads, be sure to watch the dressings. Some give you the same fat count you would get from eating a hamburger.”

She also suggests trying smoothies instead of ice cream and dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

3. Buy items with 100 percent whole grain

This can be hard, as most manufacturers are sneaky when labeling items.

“Sometimes the product will say ‘whole wheat’ or just ‘whole grain,’ but look at the ingredients list to be sure it’s 100 percent whole grain,” she said. “Otherwise it’s just brown bread.”

4. Limit portions, especially when out

It can be relaxing to hang out with friends at Starbucks, but remember the drinks there vary in nutrition.

“A nonfat grande vanilla latte has 230 calories, with 38 grams of sugar,” Timmers said. “That’s like drinking a soda.”

5. Don’t always go for name brands or luxury foods

Many students attempt to turn vegetarian at school, but complain about the cost. Timmers says that if one doesn’t go for big names or stores, vegetarians can do fine.

“Whole Foods is nicknamed ‘Whole Paycheck,’ but overall, being a vegetarian is actually cheaper,” she said. “There’s cheap food like rice and beans, peanut butter and soy products. It’s the salmon and stuff that gets pricey.”

She added that vegetarian options at restaurants sometimes tend to be cheaper.