Admittedly, UH students have limited options for healthy eating, but on-campus dining doesn’t just have to be about Top Ramen and Big Macs. Here we help you fight off the freshman (or even sophomore, junior and senior) 15 by rounding up a selection of healthy eating places on campus and dishes at dining locations not usually known for their low-calorie options.
Freshii
With their focus on fresh, natural and organic foods and with options like custom-made green wraps, salads, quinoa bowls, and fresh pressed juices, it’s hard to go wrong with picking a meal that’s calorie-counter friendly at Freshii.
Where to find it: Student Center South
Dish of choice: Buddha Bowl with chicken and Freshii green smoothie
Subway
People have a lot of opinions on Subway one way or the other, but one thing everyone can agree on is that their fresh and crisp vegetables and delicious meats and cheese make some of the best sandwiches anywhere.
Where to find it: Calhoun Lofts, Bates Law Center (closed for renovation)
Dish of choice: Turkey breast sandwich
Smoothie King
Smoothie King is a long-time favorite for smoothie-lovers, hardcore athletes and anyone looking for a quick meal they don’t have to chew.
Where to find it: Campus Rec atrium, Student Center Satellite
Drink of choice: Small Angel Food (strawberry and banana) with no additions
Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A can be surprisingly good for you. Though they’re famous for their juicy chicken sandwiches and crispy, delicious chicken nuggets, it’s a little known fact that you can substitute grilled chicken for crispy chicken and can even get grilled chicken bites.
Where to find it: Student Center South, Student Center Sattelite
Dish of choice: Grilled chicken caesar wrap
Radicle
Radicle isn’t your typical on-campus dining choice. Owner Clark Neumann wheels his bright green tricycle all over campus serving up fresh cold-pressed juices.
Where to find it: Radicle moves around campus, but you can usually find the truck in Butler Plaza in front of the library.
Drink of choice: The Cali — carrot, apple and lime
Cafe 101
Cafe 101 has a little bit of everything and something for everyone. From delicious Asian-fusion dishes and sushi to scrumptious chicken nuggets and boudin, you won’t have to look far for your ideal lunch or dinner.
Where to find it: Just off campus on Calhoun Road
Dish of choice: California roll and Philadelphia roll with a side of edamame
Dining Halls and the Fresh Food Company
Commonly known as Swipes, the residential dining halls literally have every kind of food you can imagine. With coffee and dessert also available there’s literally no reason to eat anywhere else (unless it’s on this list because yum).
Where to find them: Cougar Woods and Moody Towers
Dish of choice: The menus change every day and are available on the website, but Thursday’s best dish will probably be General Tso’s tofu and the spicy cucumber slaw at Fresh Food Company
Taco Cabana
Though Taco Cabana isn’t where you would automatically think to eat healthy, the fresh ingredients and juicy meat and chicken make it a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner if you’re watching what you eat.
Where to find it: Stadium garage facing TDECU Stadium
Dish of choice: Cabana bowl taco salad
McAlister’s Deli
As the only deli restaurant on campus, McAlister’s does not disappoint. With the weather starting to turn and winter coming soon, there’s no better place to tuck into a hot soup and big, meaty sandwich.
Where to find it: The Welcome Center
Dish of choice: Choose Two with Savannah chopped salad and fire roasted vegetable soup washed down with their famous iced tea
