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Hey Grizzlies!

If you’re new to campus this fall…first of all, welcome! I know there’s a lot coming at you right now: new classes, new routines, new faces… and, for many of you, a totally new way of eating. If you’re used to eating at home or packing your own food, stepping into The Lodge for the first time can feel like a lot. There are so many choices (which is awesome!) but also kind of overwhelming, right?

One minute you’re grabbing a plate, the next you’re wondering, “Wait... am I supposed to make a balanced meal out of all this?” or “Is it okay if I just want cereal right now?”

Let’s chat about that.

Eating Can Look Different in College and That’s Okay

One thing I want to emphasize right off the bat is eating three structured meals a day isn’t realistic for everyone. Between class schedules, clubs, labs, and maybe even a job, your days might not allow you to sit down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a traditional way. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

Some students find that two meals and a couple of hearty snacks work better for their schedule. Many students thrive on just two meals per day, no snacks. Others love having a solid breakfast to anchor their day. Some might find they’re hungriest in the evening. All of that is normal. The key is to find some kind of consistency, because skipping meals or eating too sporadically can mess with your energy, mood, and motivation.

Take 10 minutes this week to look at your schedule and think about when fueling your body makes the most sense. If you have back-to-back classes during lunch, maybe that’s a day to grab something To-Go from The Lodge or stash a snack in your backpack. Flexibility is key, but fueling is non-negotiable.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Here’s the part a lot of students don’t realize: you have access to free nutrition counseling as part of your meal plan!

I’m the Registered Dietitian here with Campus Dining, and I’m here full-time to support you. That might mean helping you navigate dietary restrictions, food allergies, or intolerances but it can also mean just helping you figure out how to feel good with food again. If you’re confused, stressed, or overwhelmed when it comes to food choices (especially in the dining hall), you are so not alone.

Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started, and I’m here to walk through it with you. No judgment, no diets, no pressure. Just real, evidence-based guidance that actually fits your life.

Some Tips to Get You Started

Start simple. You don’t have to make every plate Instagram-worthy. Think: a source of protein + something with fiber + something you enjoy. Boom. That’s a meal.

Weekly Nutrition Tip:

Consistent Fueling on your new Busy Schedule!

Feeling overwhelmed with your new class schedule? Meal timing doesn’t need to be the standard three meals/day. Meal timing looks different for every student. Whatever works best for you, just try and keep it consistent. Regular meal times help keep your energy, focus, and motivation steady.

Tip: Take 5-10 minutes. Review The Lodge Hours of Operation. Compare to your weekly schedule and plan windows to fuel up.

Lodge Hack:

Struggling to make it to lunch with your current class schedule? Our To-Go program can help.

Here’s how it works:

Let’s say you can eat dinner at The Lodge on Monday, but Tuesday’s schedule makes lunch impossible. No problem. When you swipe in for dinner on Monday, enjoy your meal as usual. Before you leave, stop by the register and let our staff know you’d like to swipe again for a To-Go meal.

Then, pack up your lunch for the next day!

Hit the salad bar (keep your dressing on the side), make a sandwich, or grab something from Tera. Store it in your dorm fridge overnight, and you’re set for Tuesday’s lunch.

Planning ahead can make a big difference when things get busy.