Quick, healthy eats for new AU students, community

On the eve of the arrival of the newest class of Auburn University students, professors, students and staff have suggestions on how to eat quick and healthy — not only for new students, but the community as well.

A daunting task for students moving away from home for the first time is preparing their own food.

“As long as you know how to use the microwave, you’re good,” said upcoming Auburn University senior Lara West. “It’s just hard because it’s not home cooking.”

One problem for incoming freshman is mixing convenience with healthy eating.

“Well, more than likely they are going to gain 10 to 15 pounds,” said Dr. Barbara J. Struempler, professor in nutrition and food science at AU.

“They need to be wise eaters… A lot of fast food is going to have a lot of calories.

“The easiest snack I know of is a piece of fruit,” she said. She also recommended low-fat popcorn, chips and crackers, Vanilla Wafers and Animal Crackers as healthy, easy snack choices.

“Some of these pre-packaged foods you pop in the microwave are very healthy,” she said referring to microwavable meals that have around 300-350 calories per serving. “It’s tasty, and they can heat them up in their room.”

Emil Topel, senior executive chef at tiger dining, had suggestions as well.

“Salads are so easy to prepare, (are) healthy and (have) minimal cleanup. Combine any of your favorite salad items, buy a low-fat dressing and pick up a rotisserie chicken from the Outtakes store on campus. Remove the skin and pull the meat off to top the salad,” he said.

Use the leftovers to make a chicken salad sandwich, he said.

Tiger Dining is making it easier for students to make healthy choices.

“We are introducing AU GOOD EATS this semester. Every food outlet will have a nutritional breakdown of all menu items and will suggest healthy and lighter options available at each outlet,” he said.

Other AU students suggested Ramen Noodles, ravioli, frozen pizza and Steamfresh Vegetables, peanut butter, tuna salad and Easy Mac as quick, easy meal options.