The Collegian

Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Will Olthouse

It is 1 a.m. and I am starving.

I ate all of my dinner. But my last meal, however balanced, was 8 hours ago. Seeing as I'm going to be up studying for a few more hours, I decide I should have something to eat.

But what?

Although most college students are up, food choices are limited: McDonald's and A.J.'s Café. I don't have a car, so it's usually to the Grewcock Student Union for me.

As it turns out, McDonald's might have healthier options.

The A.J.'s menu: A bunch of junk food. Double-bacon cheeseburgers, pizza, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, fried cheese sticks - the list of guilty-pleasure grub goes on.

Recently, the café added hard ice cream to its menu. Ice cream! I know college students don't always make the healthiest choices, but come on, give us a chance!

Freshman Emily Zick said she wishes A.J.'s would carry more fresh fruits and vegetables.

"The food is good," Zick said. "It's just sometimes you feel like eating more healthy choices if you can."

I'm a pretty busy student, and suffer from late-night hunger frequently.

I often find myself trying to eat healthily, but unable to stomach the expensive yet soggy salad or vegetable medley featuring ashy carrots and cauliflower.

So, I order another burger.

Zick said she often finds herself in the same situation. If she is hungry, she said she settles for "something unhealthy."

My debit card - and my jeans - are starting to feel the pinch.

My point is pretty simple: Before investing in another dessert machine, offer healthy options at an affordable price.

I can't handle anymore deep-fried food covered in cheese, and am just not strong enough to stomach the pale produce.

Healthier snacks, Hillsdale! Because there's something in the back of my jeans that's growing rapidly - and it sure ain't my wallet.

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