While the University offers free consultations with registered dieticians and nutritionists, many students are unaware of these services or have not yet taken advantage of it.
“I’ve seen signs and flyers posted throughout the school in the bathrooms and on walls advertising these services, but I haven’t looked into it much,” said Vivian Crespo, sophomore biological science major.
Located in the Student Health Center, the nutritionist service offers free consultations for students to work on such as weight management, meal planning, sports nutrition, chronic disease management through diet, according to the University’s Student Affairs website.
“I am very specific about what I eat, I watch my grains, starches and I stay away from red meat,” said junior political science major Jameka Lawson. “I want to know more about some healthier choices that I could be making.”
One of the issues students face is variety in healthy dining options.
“We have variety with what we can select but, the options are not healthy,” said sophomore psychology major Anya Klumpp. “The only truly healthy restaurant nutrition-wise is Salad Creations, but they are really expensive, especially for college students. $12 dollars for a salad will add up.”
Sophomore finance major Claudia Ortuzar echoed that sentiment.
“When I do eat on campus, I mainly look for how healthy the items are and the price. There aren’t that many options when it comes to selecting healthy options,” said Ortuzar. “There is Subway which is healthier than the other options, but that is not the best.”
Lawson added that while she thinks there are few well-balanced options for students, Pollo Tropical and Moe’s are on the top of her list because of their use of black and red beans.
“Personally, I like eating healthy and it’s really hard to find healthy options on campus,” said Celeste Talavera, sophomore political science major.
Some students also worry about what goes into the food before it is prepared.
“I know that the food options here at FIU are not healthy or clean, the food is filled with GMOs and hormones,” said Amanda Radcliffe, sophomore psychology major.
Upon introducing and discussing the nutritionist service offered for students, many students are willing to give the service a try.
“I will try it out, I know that I don’t have the best eating habits, but it’s always good to try it out,” said Crespo.
Some students, like freshman accounting major, Diana Pereda, know of the service, either through flyers or word-of-mouth and forget to follow up. Others like freshman marine biology major ,Daniela Lorenzo who learned about this service from her SLS class, simply choose this service isn’t for them. However, some students note the possibility of expanding their food options.
“I am a picky eater and I am always on the go so when I make a selection it is normally something that I can get and consume quickly, like chicken nuggets,” said Celeste Talavera, sophomore political science major. “I would go to the nutritionist to expand my meal options beyond what I currently consume.”
Talavera who expressed that students are tried having to eat the same thing because the healthy options are limited is willing to give the program a try.
“Now that I know about the services offered, I would consider going. I would like to to explore more options of what I can health and healthier alternatives,” said Talavera.
Radcliffe added that going to see a nutritionist would help find variety and the right foods to keep her energy up while on campus.
For more information on the Free Dietician and Nutritionist Services, visit the Student Health Center, room 180 or call 305-348-240.
Photo retrieved from Flickr