If you’ve taken the Living Well course at Taylor, you’ve probably heard the motto: “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” This is the guide for healthy eating promoted by the kinesiology department. But let’s be real—finding healthy food options on campus can seem tough.
Many dining options exist, but healthy choices can feel limited. For students committed to eating well, this might be frustrating. Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” assistant professor Scott Fenstermacher suggests a different approach: viewing food as a part of our relationship with God, ourselves, others, and creation. He emphasizes that food is a gift from God. “Our consumption of food reflects our relationship with Him,” Fenstermacher explains.
This perspective encourages gratitude, whether you’re eating at Hodson Dining Commons or grabbing a meal at home. It also touches on how we relate to others. Are we rushing through meals or enjoying the time spent with friends? College is a unique time to connect in ways we might not have the chance to later. Sometimes those late-night outings to Dan’s Donuts or Taco Bell aren’t just about the food—they’re about building connections with others.
Fenstermacher points out that the focus shouldn’t solely be on what we eat, but how we engage with food and community. Students should still keep “eat food, not too much, mostly plants” in mind. Healthy options like nuts, fruits, and grains are great, but indulging occasionally, like at Chick-fil-A, is perfectly fine.
Setting healthy patterns is key. Associate professor Patricia Stan recommends that meals include protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Ideally, protein should make up 10-15% of your diet, fats should be less than 30%, and carbohydrates should be about 55-65%. Starting with a salad can help curb cravings for less nutritious foods, too. She advises choosing water or milk over sugary drinks and minimizing processed foods.
Many students express a desire for more variety, but professor Erik Hayes notes that those leading healthy lifestyles often eat similar meals regularly. The good news is that there are plenty of plant-based choices on campus; students just need to opt for them.
“Developing healthy eating patterns is about enjoying good food and treats, but they shouldn’t be the norm,” Hayes states. Creating these habits takes time. Like any discipline, it can be challenging at first, but it bears fruit later on.
Ultimately, when we focus on our relationships—whether it’s with God, others, or the food we eat—we foster healthy habits that benefit us spiritually and physically. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
