When’s the last time you heard someone say ‘I’ve been craving a nice, big salad?’ Yup, that’s what I thought. 

How many times have you taken the offer to have ‘fries with that’ without hesitation?

I’m sure some people do crave salads, but I am not one of them. And quite often, especially on campus, I hear those craving fast food, like myself. 

No one should only eat fast food, but I also don’t believe that people should only eat vegetables 24/7.

You may ask yourself, ‘What’s the harm in eating only vegetables and other healthy foods all the time?’

An all or mostly vegetable filled diet can be harmful because of a possible lack of certain vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin D and vitamin B-12 which can cause medical issues like anemia.

Other than that, anyone that has been on a diet before knows how tempting it can be to have more than one cheat meal. To avoid this, I eat both fast foods and healthy options.

Recently, we have had two new additions to our campus palate: Popeye’s Chicken and Marketplace. 

Other than myself, I have seen students swarm the chicken joint in the hopes of getting a buttery biscuit, finger-licking crispy chicken and more. 

I’m sure the Marketplace has delicious options too, but the only buzz that I’ve heard in anticipation of their opening was from a fellow co-worker saying, ‘I heard they sell paninis.’

They do indeed have paninis as well as fresh vegetables, fruit, Jamba smoothies, trail mix, greek yogurt pretzels, Clif Bars and more.

Just as I was about to exit, I noticed an unexpected rack of delectables peaking from underneath the counter; candy bars. I was very surprised to find this in a place that I perceived was only for people who live a lifestyle of healthy living.

And then I realized that the Marketplace masters my stance, as with everything in life, there needs to be a balance.

We should all eat healthy and exercise. But, I for one do not practice those habits daily. I should, but I don’t. 

When I did exercise multiple times a week, I still binged on fast food because I figured I was going to get rid of the calories by working out.

Luckily, I attend a university that values the opinions of it’s students, faculty and staff.  We have a variety of dining options on campus and off campus that cater to different cultures, preferences, schedules and budgets. Some of the dining options on or near campus such as Chick-fil-A, Mooyah, Smoothies-N-Things, Panda Express, Smoothie King, Starbucks, etc. all have healthy options to eat or drink. 

When choosing your daily indulgences, willpower is a must. Any fast food or healthy food joint could exist on campus and beyond, but it’s a personal choice and responsibility to learn about portion sizes and the diet and exercise plan that works best for you.