A University of Minnesota School of Public Health study indicated commuting college students who purchase food on campus have worse diets than those who bring food from home and share similar diets with those who consume fast food regularly.

Nutrition Professor Jeannemarie Beiseigel said the convenience of on-campus food is a contributing factor.

“If you think about it, buying food from campus, it’s very point of purchase. It’s there; It’s ready, it’s like walking into a McDonalds … immediately you’re hungry at that point; you buy whatever is most appealing,” Beiseigel said.

Wellness Center Nutrition Intern senior Kelly Higgins said unhealthy diets may be a result of students not knowing what they are consuming.

“When students are able to go off campus and purchase their food, they’re able to see the nutrient content in their foods. They see the fiber, the protein, the vitamins, the minerals,” Higgins said. “Whereas on campus, they don’t see that.”

Beiseigel said the key to resisting unhealthy options is to come prepared.

“It’s really important for students who have a really busy schedule or don’t know where they are gonna be to bring snacks with them … other packaged snacks, like nuts, are going to prevent you from having that over hungry feeling and immediately walking into the campus store,” Beiseigel said.

Beiseigel said the health difference between those who bring food from home and purchase food on campus was obvious.

“Those who brought food from home consumed less added sugar, lower fat intake. They skipped meals less frequently, which is very important compared to those who bought on campus,” Beiseigel said. “Those who bought on-campus consumed more fat, added sugars and skipped meals more frequently.”

Higgins, also senior class president, said The Undergraduate Student Government has been working with Dining Services to improve food options.

“We do exchange ideas, and we get feedback from the student body,” Higgins said. “They’re always open to new ideas and accommodating the students.”

Beiseigel said campuses offer many healthy options; however, many students continue to stick to their poor eating habits.

“They’re offered, but just like you can walk into a McDonalds and purchase a salad, we know that most people don’t purchase the salad,” Beiseigel said. “They purchase the hamburgers, the fries, the less healthier options.”

Higgins said promoting healthy eating on campus takes a group effort.

“It’s not just a one man team; it’s really all of these different departments, committees and the student body coming together and reaching that goal of a healthier campus overall,” Higgins said.

Eden Checkol can be reached at chec7168@stthomas.edu.