At meals and snack time, aim to include a source of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Increasing your fiber and healthy fat intake, in addition to getting adequate protein, can help you stay full longer, all while achieving your fitness and nutrition goals. 

See the Power Your Plate graphic for more information on how to build a balanced meal. Look below for the following options on campus.

Grille Works

• Enjoy a grilled chicken patty on a whole grain bun.
• Add vegetable toppings for more nutrients and fiber.
• Add cheese to increase protein and fats, or avocado if available.

The Bistro

• Try the vegetable primavera, it has whole grains with vegetables and low-fat mozzarella cheese, add chicken breast for more protein.
• The meatball marinara is also a great choice, adding vegetables increases fiber and nutrients. 

42nd Street Deli

• Add hummus to any sandwich to increase protein, healthy fats and fiber.
• Try the wheat bread sub for increased fiber and whole grains.
• Swap spinach instead of regular lettuce and add your favorite vegetables.
• Add cheese for more protein and fat.
• Choose lean proteins such as chicken or turkey.

Simple Greens

• Enjoy a warm grain bowl. They’re made with a brown rice and ancient grain blend, which is also made without gluten! 
• Add lots of protein sources such as grilled chicken, black beans, edamame or garbanzo beans. 
• Add hummus or avocado if available.
• Add cheese, nuts, and seeds for more healthy fats. 

Center Plate

• This station has many filling options- especially at dinner. It is on a 3-week cycle of a rotating menu (for breakfast and lunch as well). At dinner you can create your own meal from a range of options. There is always a grilled chicken breast available, as well as a second meat entree, a vegetarian entree, two vegetable choices and a starch. This is a great place to build a balanced meal full of carbohydrates, vegetables, protein and fats.
• Click here to view the Center Plate menu
• When choosing a side: 
  • Grab whole grain chips like Sun Chips, a side salad or a piece of whole fruit as your side. If you choose a piece of fruit, have it with some nut butter to increase your calorie intake. 

Alternative meal options

• Hummus Plate: this contains a significant portion of hummus which is a great plant-based source of protein. It has raw veggies and pita chips for more carbohydrates. Pairs well with soup or a grain bowl!
• Morning Fix Combo: if you have meals left over (or spare Dining Dollars) stock up on items that come in this combo, such as granola bars, oatmeal or cereal cups, Greek or regular yogurt, whole fruit and more. Many items can be saved and eaten as a snack in between mealtimes. This is a great way to stay fueled and maintain energy levels. 

42nd Street Deli

• Add hummus to any sandwich to increase protein, healthy fats and fiber.
• Try the wheat bread sub for increased fiber and whole grains.
• Swap spinach instead of regular lettuce and add all your favorite vegetables.
• Add cheese for more protein and fat.
• Choose lean proteins such as chicken or turkey.

Freshens

• Create your own rice bowl. They are the perfect base for a balanced meal. 
  • Select your protein and plenty of vegetables. Black beans are available for a plant-based protein source (bonus- they are high in fiber too). 

Spice Asian Kitchen

• There are several vegetarian options available at this station. There is a banh mi sandwich, sesame noodle bowl and Asian chopped salad (choice of protein including sesame ginger chicken, smoked pulled pork, crispy chicken and Thai chili tofu), that comes with a side.
• A Spice Box can be assembled with white rice, choice of entrée (vegetarian entrée offered daily) and a side. 
• Soup and Side Combo meal: any size soup paired with a side. Try the classic soup and salad pairing if you need a quick meal. 

Green Plate

• Rotating menu of home cooked meals.
• Choose a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein.
• Click here to view the Green Plate menu. 

42nd Street Deli

• Add hummus to any sandwich to increase protein, healthy fats and fiber.
• Try the wheat bread sub for increased fiber and whole grains.
• Swap spinach instead of regular lettuce and add all your favorite vegetables.
• Add cheese for more protein and fat.
  • Choose lean proteins such as chicken or turkey.

P.O.D./Grab and Go

• Grain bowls
• Hummus plate 
• Panini’s or quesadillas 

Panda Express

• Order a bowl with mixed vegetables as your side. If you want something more filling but still want to include vegetables, try ordering ½ vegetables and ½ rice.
  • When picking an entrée, order any of the Wok smart choices (indicated with a green icon). These have 8 grams or more of protein and are 300 calories or less. 
    • Kung Pao Chicken
    • Mushroom Chicken
    • Broccoli Beef
    • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
    • String Bean Tofu

Subway

• Try the whole wheat sub with a lean protein, like tuna. 
• Add a white cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone or swiss. 
• If you don’t love spinach but want to try incorporating more, order half spinach and half lettuce. Spinach has more nutrients. 
• Try adding spices before adding a heavy amount of dressing. This can boost flavor, too!