A healthy lifestyle includes more than food and exercise. Consider how each of your daily activities make you feel. Are there activities you can add to or remove from your routine to help you feel your best?
Eating on Campus
Foods
Look for the Fit Pick Label at dining locations and vending machines around campus. Fit Pick guidelines:
- ≤ 35% calories from fat*
- ≤ 10% calories from saturated fat
- ≤ 35% calories from sugar
- ≤ 230 mg sodium* *Excludes nuts and seeds
Other tips
- Portion distortion. Pay attention to your own feelings of hunger and fullness, rather than eating more or less than what you need from portions at restaurants and dining halls.
- Add color to your plate. Choose fruits or vegetables as a side with your meals.
- Rethink your drink. Drink water instead of sugar sweetened beverages.
Budget Friendly
Plan
Make a grocery list based on all meals and snacks you would like to eat for the week. Stock up on pantry staples, such as canned goods, rice, or seasonings, which are often cheaper when purchased in bulk.
Prepare
Cooking big batches of food during the weekend can make it easier to eat meals at home during the week. Some foods such as meat or rice can be prepared in advance and used in a variety of dishes later on. Repurposing leftovers can help you go further with the food you buy.
Share
Make dinner with roommates or friends or join a dinner group. Sharing meals with other people can help you to have meals including all the food groups and save money.
Resources
- BYU Dining Services’ Chef John does food demonstrations at the Stadium Farmers Market and shares recipes on mix.byu.edu
- The BYU Financial Fitness Center gives tips for managing your money, including a recipe book and videos for Quick and Easy Recipes
- ChooseMyPlate has resources for Healthy Eating on a Budget, including a 2-week sample menu and tips for grocery shopping.
Sustainability
Buy Fresh, Buy Local
Support local growers by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. The Lavell Edwards Stadium Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from 3 - 7pm August through October.
Walk, Bike, Ride the Bus
Clear the air by using sustainable transportation. Walking, biking, or riding the bus (UTA or the Ryde) to campus can increase physical activity and be more environmentally friendly.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
From using energy and water efficient equipment to reclaiming food waste into fertilizer, BYU Dining Services is a leader in collegiate recycling. You can help by recycling paper, plastic, and cans in recycling bins found around campus. The Cannon Commons recycles cereal bags through Terracycle accumulating points used to donate drinking water to individuals in developing countries.
To learn more about BYU’s Sustainable Practices, visit sustainability.byu.edu/
Self-Care
Self-care includes intentional activities that contribute to overall mental, emotional, and physical health. Good self-care can help relieve stress and give you the tools to manage the expectations and challenges of school.
Eat
Eating a well-balanced diet, which includes a variety of foods from all food groups, is an important element of self-care. Pay attention to how different foods make you feel. Choosing nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains or low-fat dairy, will give you the energy you need throughout the day.
Act
Exercise provides stress relief and improves physical health. Choose to be active in a variety of ways that you enjoy—walking, swimming, jogging, biking, or hiking. The best exercise is the one you will actually do!
Think
Take time for yourself to relax and calm your mind. Try meditation, yoga, breathing, journaling, listening to music, or talking with someone you feel close to.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential to overall well-being. Sleeping 7-9 hours a night can improve physical and mental health, leaving you refreshed and energized for the day.
Resources
If you would like more help by talking with a professional, students have access to FREE counseling services right on campus.
Nutrition Resources
Food Allergies and Special Diets
Nutrition and allergen information can be found on the Dining Locations Feature of the BYU Mobile App. The app can be used to filter out any of the eight major allergens.
Nutrition Counseling
For additional help, contact the dietitian, Diane Morrow. She is available as a resource to students for discussing their nutritional concerns or dietary needs and helping to resolve any problems with dining on campus.
- Consultation Hours: By appointment or during Fall and Winter semesters, Tuesday 12 pm – 2 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 11 am – 3 pm via Zoom or email.
- Email: diningdietitian@byu.edu
- Phone: 801-422-3631
Ask the Dietitian
Diane Morrow RD,CN
Can be reached at: