Spring Clean Your Plate, But Choose Wisely
Remember fearing the dreaded weight gain dubbed the “Freshman 15?” Well, with the heightened awareness surrounding childhood obesity and obesity in general, contributing editor Lydia Lum takes a look at how college health and dining officials are ensuring that students have a variety of healthy food options to choose from.
Apparently, that time has come. Obesity among young people is a widening problem. It is one of the leading causes of death and disease, and creates a staggering financial burden on our health system. Not to mention the ways poor nutrition limits young people who otherwise might be enjoying sports and an active, energetic lifestyle.
The root of the problem is twofold: There is a lack of education about what constitutes good nutrition, and the fast food and junk food industries are engaged in a multibillion-dollar campaign for our stomachs and dollars. The food industry spends more than $33 billion a year on advertising. It’s hard for fruits and vegetables to compete with that.
But in “Accommodating Picky Palates,” Lydia reports that college students today do have many choices and are probably eating better than their parents ever did.
Dave Annis, executive director of food services at the University of Oklahoma, knows he is competing with fast food outlets near campus. He strives to make food tasty and nutritious: “Each kid wants something different,” he says. “Here, we try to make it like living at home.”
