Ana Barrios / Contributing Writer
opinion@fiusm.com
Whenever students are in a rush to get to class, busy studying for exams and quizzes or completing assignments, it’s usually hard for them to eat a nutritious meal. Students on campus are often seen carrying water bottles to keep themselves hydrated or carrying light snacks to help them stay full until they’re able to eat somewhere. However, it is always important to eat balanced meals in order to stay full and energized.
The 30 different restaurants open at both the Modesto Maidique and Biscayne Bay campuses were opened to assist FIU students in fulfilling their dietary needs. From Almazar’s Middle Eastern foods to Subway’s subs, students are welcome to endless varieties of delicious meals to satisfy their hunger. Some restaurants may have long lines, so vending machines and P.O.D. markets provide students a chance to grab a quick bite before heading off to class or study if they can’t wait.
FIU’s Dining Plans also provide students a chance to create meal plans that are most convenient for them, as well as giving a 10 percent discount at most on-campus dining locations if students pay with their FIU OneCard. Even though dining out is fun, it’s always best to learn how to cook. It’s a necessity to becoming independent. When living with parents or roommates, the responsibility of cooking meals is shared, but it’s always best for everyone to learn.
Going out to eat isn’t so bad, but doing it too often can be wasteful.
When restaurants use big stoves and ovens while employees cook for students, carbon dioxide emissions increase as fuel is burned, which contributes to global warming. The more fossil fuels burned in restaurants, the more CO2 is emitted in Miami; eating out less often could help reduce air pollution.
Managing a budget is a big responsibility students learn, but eating at restaurants too often can have an effect on one’s wallet. The best thing for students to do is to set aside enough money per month in order to purchase groceries so they can cook more often; if there’s room in their budgets, it’s best to limit oneself to eating at a restaurant only a few times a month.
In general, cooking for oneself is better than eating out, as it helps students in making sure they have their daily vitamins and minerals, as well as control all of the ingredients that go into their food. The daily nutrients we take in by eating healthily provides us the energy we need to carry out our day. Eating the right kinds of food also helps us fight diseases like diabetes and cancer, enhance our brain development and keep our bones strong.
Cooking is a great way for students to learn what foods they need to eat and one of the basic necessities in taking care of themselves. The more we cook, the more it leads us towards a healthier and balanced lifestyle.
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