Rate Your Plate

Helping Students Make Healthier Food Choices!

As an extension of Westerns Nutrition Program, students are given the opportunity to rate their own plate. Set up daily in the residence dining halls, the rate-your-plate displays, showcase one entire lunch or dinner (main entree, beverage, dessert, soup or salad) complete with nutritional breakdown.

The goal of the program is to help students establish a healthy frame of reference when it comes to calories, fat and other nutrient recommendations. Helping to dispel some of the many myths/misconceptions pertaining to healthy eating, the program emphasizes variety and moderation as the means toward health and wellness.

Look for these displays at the entrance to your dining hall. Compare your selections with what's displayed along with the nutrition recommendations for males and females found also on the display board. Remember, a daily caloric surplus of as little as 250 calories can result in a 15 lb weight gain over an 8 month period.

Also keep in mind that smaller, less active individuals require fewer calories to maintain their current weight. If you fall into this category, look for the Residence Choice options on the residence menu. These options are typically lower in fat and lower in calories.

Bon Appetite!