When you are well-nourished with a balanced diet, you have a more positive experience on campus and achieve your best academic performance. To make it easier for you to eat well at our dining halls, we offer tools like MyDining, Healthy Huskie Choices and MyPaw. Learn more and try out these nutrition tools by checking out the descriptions and the links below.
For more information about nutrition services including one-on-one nutrition coaching, please visit NIU's Nutrition Coaching website.
MyDining provides nutrition and food allergy information to help you make decisions about the foods you choose to fill your plate. Created in partnership with the School of Health Studies, this program helps you navigate among healthy choices at NIU's dining locations.
We believe that all foods can fit into a healthy diet when eaten in moderation, which is why we offer a variety of foods every day. To help you navigate healthy choices within the dining halls, we have identified Healthy Huskie food items using guidelines developed by our registered dietitian nutritionist. Choose these foods most often.
On our menus, items with the Healthy Huskie label have met the following guidelines. Nutrient guidelines are proportionately adjusted for portions other than those indicated in the serving size column. Healthy Huskie items are never fried.
Item | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (Grams) | Saturated Fats (Grams) | Trans Fat (Grams) | Sodium (Milligrams) | Dietary Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Entrees, Mixed Dishes (Protein with Veggie and/or Starch) Sandwiches, casseroles, mixed pasta dishes, burritos, pizza | ≥ 8 ounces | ≤ 500 | ≤ 20 | ≤ 5 | < 0.5 | ≤ 1000 | |
Protein Alone Chicken breast, brisket, fish fillet, eggs | 4 ounces | ≤ 250 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 3 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | |
Protein Salads Egg salad, chicken salad, tuna salad | 3 ounces | ≤ 200 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 2 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | |
Starches Rice, pasta, potato, beans | Per serving | ≤ 200 | ≤ 5 | ≤ 3 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | |
Breads and Rolls | 3 ounces | ≤ 5 | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | > 2.5 | |
Vegetables | Per serving | ≤ 5 | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | ||
Fruit | Only fresh or canned fruit without added sugars or syrups. | ||||||
Fruit or Gelatin Salads | ½ cup (4 ounces) | ≤ 75 | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | |||
Cereals, Hot and Cold | Per serving | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | ≥ 2.5 | ||
Breakfast, Baked Goods | Per serving | ≤ 5 | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | ≥ 2.5 | |
Desserts Bars, cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream | Per serving | ≤ 300 | ≤ 4 | < 0.5 | |||
Puddings, Yogurt | 4 ounces | ≤ 75 | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | |||
Appetizers | Per serving | ≤ 5 | ≤ 2 | < 0.5 | ≤ 480 | ||
Soups | 6 ounces | ≤ 4 | ≤ 1 | < 0.5 | ≤ 450 | ||
Accompaniments Sauces, dressings, cream cheese | 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) | ≤ 10 | ≤ 2 | < 0.5 | ≤ 320 | ||
Beverages | Water, skim milk, 1% milk, 2% milk, 100% fruit juice, unsweetened tea, black coffee. |
Why eat like a Healthy Huskie?
To consume a balanced meal, fill your plate with foods from all food groups to resemble the MyPaw plate. Plant-based foods are emphasized with MyPaw and provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients to keep you energized and at your best when you are pushed to your limits with the college life. Protein and dairy foods provide a feeling of satisfaction when eating and are essential to your strength and stamina. Select a food group to learn more!
Why is it important to eat fruit?
How much fruit should I eat?
The average college student needs about two cups of fruit daily.
How can I get more fruit into my diet?
Why is it important to eat vegetables?
How many vegetables should I eat?
The average college student needs about 2 ½ cups of vegetables daily.
How can I get more vegetables into my diet?
Why is it important to eat grains?
How many grains should I eat?
College students should eat about six ounces of grain daily. At least half of the grains consumed should be whole grains.
How can I get more whole grains in my diet?
Why is it important to eat dairy?
How much dairy should I eat?
College students should consume three servings of dairy daily.
How can I get more dairy in my diet?
Healthy Tip
Ask for your latte with skim milk.Why is it important to eat protein?
How much protein should I eat?
College students should have five to six ounces of protein daily.
How can I get more protein in my diet?
Healthy Tip
Choose lean turkey, chicken, and beef. They have less fat and sodium.