There are a lot of reasons the ever so common “eating healthy” resolution isn’t always seen through to the end of the year. Whether it’s time, money, or access, this goal comes packed with plenty of convenient excuses to help its followers bail. However, here at the University of Minnesota, students have an abundance of opportunities at their fingertips to promote healthful diets and build savvy strategies for a lifetime of wholesome eating. These tried and tested resources are sure to make a significant impact on your diet (and not your bank account!):

1) Visit the farmers market.

Aside from the many farmers markets in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the University of Minnesota has its own farmers market on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 2  p.m. on the Mcnamara Alumni Center Plaza from July to September. The campus market features several local vendors offering a wide variety of products ranging from carrots to apples and so much more. Farmers markets are a fantastic way to get fresh nutritious food and support local agriculture at the same time.

2) Check your course catalog!

Believe it or not, the U offers classes with a focus on healthy, affordable eating and living. FSCN 2002: Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives – Cooking on a Student’s Budget is a great way to build the skills necessary to shop, cook, and eat healthy for a lifetime.

3) Get crafty in the dining hall.

This one should really hit home with all of the freshmen out there. Although pizza and fries are definitely a tempting option in most campus dining halls, there are plenty of healthier alternatives. One of the best solutions is to get creative with the salad and sandwich bars. Try subbing cottage cheese for dressings packed with unhealthy fats. Sick of salad and sandwiches? Give spruced-up toast a try by topping your toast with a variety of items from around the dining hall. A few unbeatable combos are tomatoes, hummus, cucumbers, and spinach or for a sweeter option, peanut butter, sliced banana, and honey.

4) Book an appointment with the campus dietician.

Unsure of whether or not your current diet is providing your body with the proper nutrients? Schedule an appointment with the campus dietician to get the advice and recommendations you need to lead a healthy campus life.

5) Make it yourself!

After all, nothing beats home cooking. This is a viable option even if you’re living in the dorms and limited to just a microwave. Try making vegetables like potatoes (sweet or regular), squash, or even sweet corn! The microwaveable options are endless. Check out a few here.

6) Nutritious U has you covered.

The Office of Student Affairs recognizes that access to healthy food is a necessity, not a luxury, and therefore will be offering the Nutritious U Food Pantry event at the end of every month during the spring 2019 semester.

7) Stop by the Dairy Salesroom.

Ever heard of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition’s Dairy and Meat Salesroom? Visit the Meat Science Lab on the St. Paul campus on Wednesdays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to pick up some delicious dairy and meat products produced on campus (yes, that includes ice cream!).

Source: UMN Department of Food, Science and Nutrition

So there you have it, no excuses this year. Happy, sustainable eating!