Keep your meals new and exciting with these fresh ideas:
Take a lap: You do not want to be the one who sits down and immediately regrets what you got, so in order to avoid this, walk around and see what is being served. You could also wait until the rest of your table gets food and see what looks best. Just don’t wait too long in case the good fruit is gone!
Take fresh fruit to go: Always make sure to grab either a banana, apple or whatever is offered that day. Take it back to your dorm for a healthy snack later on in the day.
Refillable drink containers: Bring a to-go mug or thermos and fill it up with coffee or milk before you leave.
Be creative: If you don’t see exactly what you are craving, maybe try to make it. If you want a chicken salad. Grab some lettuce from the salad line and grilled chicken from the grill and - boom - chicken salad.
Be adventurous: Try something new, Interaction Station usually carries a unique variety of options, sometimes even international cuisine.
Conserve food: If you aren’t sure if you will like something, just take a small serving. You can always go back for seconds.
Check the menu: The Eatable app used for the Dining Commons now offers an option to view the menu. Be sure to check that out before walking over. This way you can already have an idea of what you want, or if nothing sounds good, there's always ramen.
Ice Cream and Cereal: Really ice cream and any toppings.
Milkshakes: For a cheaper alternative to the unbeatable Chick-fil-A milkshake, pick your preferred ice cream flavor—chocolate or vanilla—and add milk. You could even add some cookie crumbles for a double sweet treat.
Floats: Fill a cup with ice cream and add your choice of pop.
Banana Toast: For a sweet breakfast treat, toast bread and spread on peanut butter, then slice a banana and add that right on top of the peanut butter. Elvis would be so proud!
Parfait: Grab some yogurt and any fruit offered, then go to the ice cream topping station and nuts, chocolate chips or granola.
Sweet potato and peanut butter: Cut the potato, add peanut butter and mix. Sounds weird, I know, but if you like peanut butter, you will love this.
Loaded baked potatoes: Take the plain baked potato the DC offers and spice it up. Cut it open and add toppings. Cheese from the salad bar, veggies, or bits of bacon. If you want to be a real chef, you could even pop it into the microwave for a “twice” baked potato.
Hopefully these hacks make your next trip to the DC worthwhile and don’t forget to say “thank you” to the people who make your food.
