Nutrition takes center stage at Purdue dining courts

Throughout the month, University Residences and the Student Wellness Office will hold several events at each hall. "Nutrition Jeopardy" is an interactive question-and-answer game about healthy eating. "Hop, Skip and Jump" will give students and staff the opportunity to be active during their lunch, with activities including hopscotch, Hula-Hoops and jump rope.

The activities will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following days:

• March 1 — Windsor Hall

• March 2 — Earhart Hall

• March 7 — Ford Dining Court

• March 8 — Hillenbrand Hall

• March 9 — Tarkington Hall

In addition to activities, each site will offer a suggested healthy menu for students and other diners, said Ann Pickett, dietician for dining services, who is coordinating Purdue's National Nutrition Month activities.

"Proper nutrition and an active lifestyle don't just happen in one day," Pickett said. "Instead of quick fixes, healthy living calls for a changing one's lifestyle. These activities will give students some knowledge and suggestions on making that lifestyle change easier and more satisfying."

In addition, chefs and cooks at Purdue's food courts will offer cooking demonstrations throughout the month to help participants learn to prepare healthy foods. Each program is open to the public and included in the $7.83 cost of an all-you-care-to-eat lunch at the food court. The programs last from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• March 21 — Savory Vegetable Cuisine, Hillenbrand Hall atrium

• March 22 — Secrets of Fruit Preparation and Presentation, Windsor Dining Court

• March 23 — Sumptuous Dairy Food Preparation, Earhart Dining Court

• March 28 — Flavorful, Delicious Meat and Poultry Entrees, Ford Dining Court

• March 29 — Delectable Baked Grains, Hillenbrand Hall atrium

• April 13 — Holiday Helpers, Hillenbrand Hall atrium

Sue Abney, dietician for the Student Wellness Center, offers these suggestions for students to create a healthy lifestyle.

• The food and physical activity choices you make today — and every day — affect your health and how you feel today and in the future. Eating right and being physically active are keys to a healthy lifestyle.

• Make smart choices from every food group. Give your body the balanced nutrition it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods every day. Just be sure to stay within your daily calorie needs.

• Get the most nutrition out of your calories. Choose the most nutritionally rich foods you can from each food group — those packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but lower in calories.

• Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness, plus it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

• Play it safe with foods. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep you and your friends safe.

National Nutrition Month was founded in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association as a way to promote healthful eating by providing practical nutrition guidance and focusing attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound physical activity habits.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Ann Pickett, (765) 494-9204, apickett@purdue.edu

Sue Abney, (765) 494-1716, nsabney@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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