Nutrition

The food you eat has a powerful impact on how you feel, your energy levels and your ability to focus. Good nutrition not only supports academic success but also helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. With so much conflicting information in the media, it’s easy to feel confused about what “healthy eating” really means. That’s why it’s important to rely on trusted sources — like a registered dietitian, doctor or nurse — for accurate guidance.

Dine out without ditching your goals.

You can dine at a restaurant and stick to your healthy eating plan! The key is to plan ahead, ask questions and choose foods carefully. Think about nutritious items you can add to your plate — fruits, veggies, lean meat, poultry or fish — and look for grilled, baked, broiled or steamed items. See more tips on dining out.

The MyPlate Plan, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a personalized guide that outlines recommended servings from each food group — fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy — based on individual factors like age, sex, height, weight and physical activity level. Using the interactive MyPlate Plan calculator, users can tailor daily calorie allowances with built-in adjustments for growth, body composition and life stage to support healthy, balanced eating habits. 

Calculate Your Plan

The OnlineSchools.org Student Nutrition Guide emphasizes that healthy eating and regular exercise are foundational to academic success, cognitive function, mood and long-term physical health. It offers practical strategies — like stocking up on wholesome snacks, staying hydrated and planning for balanced meals — to help students maintain energy and focus throughout busy days. The guide also includes expert-backed tips from registered dietitian Alexa McDonald, such as choosing nutrient-dense foods, prepping easy meals and building realistic fitness routines

View Guide

Here is a list of healthier choices for lunch within a one mile radius of campus besides our University Dining Hall.

View List

Nutrition Programs

A Health Educator is available upon request and as the schedule allows to present nutrition information to classrooms, student groups and sport teams. For more information or to schedule a program, call Student Health Services, 910.521.6219 or fill out our Presentation Request Form. 

If you are looking for personal guidance and tips, a staff member would be happy to meet with you one-on-one to discuss your goals. 

Chick-fil-A Salad and Drink

spinach peppers tomatoes cucumbers with tongs in them