Healthy Eating
For people with gastrointestinal disorders, a good cafeteria plays a part in staying healthy at college.
In researching colleges, pay close attention to the cafeteria in the dorm. If possible, eat there during a visit to the school. Students will want to look for a wide variety of foods that they can choose from both while healthy and during a flare-up. Many cafeterias now offer suitable choices to fit a myriad of student lifestyles and health conditions.
If a student has their heart set on a particular college, but the cafe is sorely lacking, it may be possible to talk to the school's housing department. Housing departments are focused on what the students (who are customers) need and may be able to help with meal plans.
Those already at college will want to take stock of the cafeteria in their dorm and know what to look for.
Hot EntreesLook for the low-fat entrees, and stay away from fried foods and those smothered in cheese. Baked poultry and meats are usually good choices. Students with IBD will want to be careful of the hot vegetables and stick with those that their bodies can handle. Vegetables that cause gas include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans and onions.
Salad Bar
For people with IBD, the choices at the salad bar can be tricky. Thankfully, salad bars today typically have much more than lettuce and carrots. Look for canned fruits (peaches, pears), fresh bananas, gelatin, breads without seeds and nuts, and other items suitable for a restricted fiber diet.
BeveragesWhen people think of beverages in college they often think of coffee and Mountain Dew — neither of which is good for students with IBD. Caffeine has a laxative effect, so that's probably not desirable when diarrhea is already a problem. Instead, look for a selection of herbal or decaffeinated teas, fruit juices or sports drinks, and the old standby—water.
Milk can also pose problems for those who are lactose-intolerant. Instead, go for foods high in calcium such as shrimp, salmon, and molasses or a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
While learning the ins and outs of cafe, don't be afraid to ask the staff questions. Need low-fat mayo, bread without seeds, or sherbet instead of ice cream? Ask someone before eating something that's likely to cause a flare.
