Nutrition Education
The "freshman 15" has become synonymous with college life, but armed with the right information, you can eat healthily easier than you think. For those that have special dietary requirements, food services has worked to make it as easy for you as possible to meet those needs.
Nutrition Database
Our nutrition information and searchable nutrition database can help those with allergies, following dietary restrictions, or just looking to eat healthily. [Nutrition Database]
Nutrition Counseling & Education
Free nutrition counseling and education is offered to OSU college students in the Student Wellness Center (RPAC). [More Information].
The New Food Guide Pyramid: My Pyramid Plan
The new food guide pyramid is designed to give you a better idea of how to eat healthfully. The food groups are the same as the old pyramid:
- Grains: This group includes wheat, rice, cornmeal, oats and cereal grain products like bread, pasta, tortillas, and oatmeal. Grains provide B vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Vegetables: This group includes any vegetable, from broccoli to corn to potatoes to squash, in addition to 100% vegetable juices. Vegetables may be frozen, canned, dried or fresh, cooked or raw. Vegetables provide many vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Fruits: This group includes frozen, dried, canned or fresh, cooked or raw fruits as well as 100% fruit juices. Fruits provide lots of vitamins and fiber.
- Milk: This group includes calcium-rich milk and most milk-based products, like cheese and yogurt. Products like cream cheese, sour cream and butter are NOT part of the milk group. Selections from this group should be low-fat or fat-free. Be aware of added sugars as in ice cream.
- Meat and Beans: This group includes beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, dried beans or peas and related products, like tofu. Choose lean or low-fat meats, and eat beans and nuts frequently. This group provides protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins.
- Oils: Oils like olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil are fats from plant sources, and they are liquid at room temperature. Avoid hydrogenated oils, or trans fats, which are solid at room temperature. Fats, which are from animal sources, are solid at room temperature.
Unlike the old pyramid, each food group is represented now by a band that runs from the bottom of the pyramid to the top; this is because even within each food group, some choices are healthier than others. Whole grains such as wheat bread and brown rice should make up the base of the grain group, for example, while refined, white bread should be at the top. The width of each band gives you an idea of how much of one group you should consume each day in proportion to another. Aim for a variety of foods within each group and between groups, and aim for plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that exactly how much you need to eat depends on your age, sex, and activity level. Finally, the steps going up the side of the pyramid should remind you that daily physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on the My Pyramid Plan, visit www.mypyramid.gov.
|
