Eating Healthy, Even if it Means You're Stuck in Reno

As a person who has no access to a kitchen or the nearest grocery store (without a bus pass or uber) healthy eating may seem difficult. With the abundance of resources on campus that is not a difficult option for me and it doesn’t have to be that for you either. It’s college so the easier options are usually the worse options for us. That doesn’t have to be the case. I’m giving tips that I use almost every week to try and survive this tough and awkward moment in time. It has given us many stomach aches and heartaches to count but I’ve found a way.

The DC and options

Many of us have swipes, I have the minimum package of about 10 a week. I see the DC as the only place to get any kind of quality food. I know that may seem like a sin but it’s true. The salad bar is not particularly bad as it offers up a variety of choices that can make for a flavorful and healthy salad. If you’ve gotten your amount of veggies for the day the Omelet/Rice bar will fill you up on protein. Instead of having a crummy pancake breakfast why not treat yourself to the healthier option of a freshly cooked egg filled with veggies. Or for dinner if you’re grossed out by the weekly food change why not grab a bowl of rice, chicken with veggies and make for a healthy dinner that can be changed in a variety of ways.

The DC store is not sickening

I wouldn’t recommend eating at the DC store every day but it’s way to gain a quick amount of protein and even dairy. The quesadilla are truly a marvel that can be ordered without the use of a swipe and offer a nice dosage of your dairy needs. I would stay away from the meat though as it may have some protein but truly it is a gamble to whether or not it will stay in your stomach for long.

The Art of Stealing

Many of us know that there are take out containers that the DC offers to people who want to eat in their dorms. Another interesting motive is that the DC also offers green bananas and apples. Hopefully many know that banana don’t stay green forever. A plan of action to make sure one has a steady amount of fruit intake is to fill one’s take out container full of apples and the greenest bananas. That way once you finish the apples after a certain week, most likely by next week you’ll have a supply of ready to eat bananas. An apple and banana a day am I right?

The Joe and all its Glory

Many of the options mentioned are items that don’t cost any money (at least not of your own). A problem arises when one runs out of swipes and many turn to the next best location, that being the Joe. Hopefully if one uses their swipes for most of the week there will be a chance you’ll only have to eat twice or three times at the Joe. That would come to maybe about 15 dollars which is way less than one would spend at a grocery store every other week. The Joe provides everything from protein to dairy so it’s up to you to make your own choices on what’s right for you. Of course, within your budget.

Remember to Explore

Reno is a fairly large city with many destinations that will fill the needs of anyone’s appetite. From the countless Casinos to the hipster restaurants there’s something waiting to be found and the price might not be bad either. With all the walking it might even build up your hunger even more.