Eating right in college doesn’t have to be complicated—focus on variety, amount and nutrition. You can make sustainable positive changes to your dietary habits by following simple strategies. We can help.
Cook Wise.Eat Wise.Live Wise.
Nutrition Newsletter
A monthly nutrition and wellness newsletter brought to you by University Housing and Dining.
- May 2021 (PDF)
- April 2021 (PDF)
- March 2021 (PDF)
- Febraury 2021 (PDF)
- November 2020 (PDF)
- October 2020 (PDF)
Cook Wise
Our Cook Wise program aims to empower students with the skills they need to be self-sufficient in the kitchen, with the overall goal to inspire healthier food choices—you need to Cook Wise to Eat Wise!
Interested in cooking on campus? UHD residents are provided a micro-fridge (combination microwave and mini-refrigerator/freezer) in their rooms, and all residents have access to a community kitchen in their area. Get details below on the closest kitchen to your residence hall and reference our equipment checklist (PDF) for recommendations on essentials for campus cooking. Don’t forget to cross check your equipment with our list of items that are permitted and prohibited in the residence halls.
Whitis Area Community
- Andrews Hall (AND) – access to shared kitchen in Carothers Hall
- Blanton Hall (BLD) – access to shared kitchen in Carothers Hall
- Carothers Hall (CRD) – shared kitchen for Honors Quad residents
- Duren Hall (ADH) – community kitchen
- Kinsolving Hall (KIN) – community kitchen
- Littlefield Hall (LTD) – community kitchen
- Whitis Court (LLA – LLF) – community kitchen
Waller Creek Community
- Brackenridge Hall (BHD) – shared kitchen for all BRP residents
- Creekside Hall (CRH) – community kitchen
- Moore-Hill Hall (MDH) – community kitchen
- Prather Hall (PHD) – access to shared kitchen in Brackenridge Hall
- Roberts Hall (RHD) – access to shared kitchen in Brackenridge Hall
- San Jacinto Hall (SJH) – community kitchen
Jester Area Community
- Jester East (JCD) – access to shared kitchen in Jester West
- Jester West (JCD) – shared kitchen available for both Jester East and West residents
Not sure what food items are best to keep in your res hall room? Use our campus pantry checklist (PDF) to help stock your mini-fridge with a variety of healthy foods. That way, when you need a quick breakfast or study snack, you’ll have plenty of healthy options on hand!
Eat Wise
Eating right in college doesn’t have to be complicated—focus on variety, amount and nutrition. You can make sustainable positive changes to your dietary habits by these following simple strategies.
Making time for breakfast.
- Eating breakfast wakes up your metabolism and provides the fuel needed to start your day.
- Aim to eat breakfast within two hours of waking up.
- Include protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates and heart-healthy fats in your breakfast choices.
Being prepared.
- Keep healthy pre-portioned snacks on hand to avoid making poor food choices when hunger strikes.
- If you’re in a pinch, look for healthy snacks with the Lite Bites logo in campus vending machines or in UHD campus markets.
Eating mindfully.
- Honor your hunger to keep your body adequately supplied with energy.
- Take your time when eating; it can take 15-20 minutes for fullness signals to reach the brain.
- The Mindful Eating Program offered by University Health Services can help you become an Intuitive Eater!
Making informed decisions.
- UHD dining venues provide menu information online, including full ingredient listings, identification of food allergens and nutrition facts.
- Review menus before going to the dining hall so you can be ready to make informed choices when you get there.
Building a healthy plate.
- Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables, add lean proteins, include whole grains and choose low-fat dairy.
- One size does not fit all. Your nutrient needs and recommended intake from each food group will vary based on your age, height, weight, sex and physical activity level.
- Everything you eat and drink matters—portion size is key.
For additional recommendations and guidance on adopting practical and sustainable food behaviors, contact the UHD Nutrition and Wellness team at dietitian@austin.utexas.edu.