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Nutrition and Wellness

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For more information, please visit ChooseMyPlate.gov 

Eating well at Purdue University is easy with all the nutritious foods offered both in the dining courts and in our On-the-GO! locations on campus. The best way to create a wholesome meal is to follow the MyPlate guidelines.

Building a Plate:

Start by filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Dining locations offer many delicious vegetable options like fresh salad bars, savory roasted hot vegetables, steamed vegetables, and cold veggies like carrot and celery sticks that are perfect for dipping. Finding fruit is always easy on campus: varieties of fresh and frozen fruits are available daily in the dining courts and On-the-GO! locations.

Next, add your grains.

Make it a goal for half of your grains to come from whole-grain sources. Choose whole-wheat versions of your favorite foods like pasta, breads, and tortillas. Exciting whole grain options are available in a variety of places on campus. The chefs in our dining courts utilize familiar grains like pasta and quinoa regularly as well as unique varieties like couscous, farro and black rice. You can find whole grains served on their own and in soups, salads, and casseroles in all of our residential dining locations.

Then choose a protein.

Selecting a lean protein is important when creating a nutritious meal. Many food sources other than meat contain lean protein. Get creative with the protein on your plate by trying fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, beans, and tofu. When choosing a lean meat option look for foods like chicken and turkey without skin, top round roast, and pork tenderloin. With all the choices available for lean proteins, finding your favorite on campus will not be hard. Visit Sushi Boss to find a variety of seafood proteins like salmon, crab and shrimp.

Finish with dairy.

When choosing a dairy product, look for low-fat options. Purdue’s dining courts and On-the-GO! locations make it easy to find your favorite dairy products in locations on both the academic and residential side of campus. You'll find milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream in many of our locations.

Nutrition Tips:

  • Eat a variety of foods and regularly try new ones
  • Build a colorful plate with different fruits and vegetables
  • Be mindful of serving sizes
  • Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite sugary foods and desserts in moderation, there is no need to deprive yourself
  • Everything fits in a healthy diet and lifestyle