Bite-by-bite guide to healthy eating for Rutgers students

As our desk calendars and planners settle into the new year, college campuses nationwide prepare for fresh beginnings. One common resolution that tops the list for many Rutgers students is adopting a healthier lifestyle, often starting with something as simple as their diet. 

For students aiming to maintain overall well-being and focus, it is essential to prioritize consistent, fulfilling and nutritional meals. The College Avenue campus and New Brunswick have a wide variety of restaurants lined up to keep Rutgers students well-fed and taken care of. 

Fritz's 

Located on Easton Ave, Fritz's is a fast-casual gem. Offering an expansive, in-house menu with an array of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices, Fritz's is a natural choice for anything healthy and affordable. 

Proudly co-owned by Rutgers alum Jonathon Guarino and long-time New Brunswick resident Robin Varga, Fritz's has kept students feeling happy and healthy since 2015. 

While most of Fritz's expansive menu is delicious and health-conscious, the egg platter is an affordable source of nourishment. It offers three eggs in any style, breakfast meat, hash browns and any choice of toast. 

A simple meal rich in vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates helps college students stay full and focused. This combination supports cognitive function, which enhances a student's capacity to grasp complex concepts, engage in critical thinking and excel in exams and assignments.

honeygrow 

Located at the Yard @ College Avenue, honeygrow is beloved by time-strapped students. The restaurant offers a convenient environment for a quick bite or study session, boasting a menu full of made-to-order bowls and salads. 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Justin Rosenberg founded honeygrow in 2012 to bring people together over healthy, high-quality foods. Since its expansion to New Brunswick in 2016, honeygrow offers nutritious, palatable dishes for Rutgers students that subvert the mediocrity of modern dining experiences. 

The Spicy Garlic Stir-Fry is one of the menu's staples, seamlessly blending nutrition and flavor. This vibrant dish features perfectly stir-fried chicken paired with fresh and colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers and red onions. But the real star is the irresistible touch of spicy garlic sauce that adds a kick to every bite. 

The dish is a delicious testament to the notion that healthy eating is more than portion control and bland ingredients — it can be nutritious and incredibly flavorful.

Sweet Dip

Located on Somerset Street, Sweet Dip is a fun, casual place to grab dessert. The restaurant has a constantly evolving menu of homemade crepes, waffles and fresh-fruit power blends curated from high-quality, locally sourced produce. 

Satisfying your sweet tooth with a healthy diet is crucial to preventing deprivation, reducing the risk of overindulgence and promoting physical and mental prosperity. Including moderate, healthier, sweet options helps maintain a positive relationship with food over the long term.

Sweet Dip offers Acai Vary Berries, a vibrant fresh-fruit power blend of acai, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, chia seeds, flax seeds and almond milk. This refreshing concoction offers a burst of flavors and a nutrient-rich combination, featuring the goodness of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and the delightful taste of assorted berries.

Ultimately, enjoying that "sweet treat" at the end of the day is an incredibly mindful practice in self-care for busy students.

By enjoying these diverse, health-conscious options, students nourish their bodies and foster a positive, sustainable relationship with food, contributing to their overall physical and mental well-being. So, here's to another semester at Rutgers and the mindful pursuit of health, flavor and balance.