AVenti Chocolate Chip Frappuccino with whipped cream has 720 calories and 25 grams of fat. While the Corner is full of similar health pitfalls, it is possible to find healthy alternatives. Three University nutritionists offer some advice and tips for making Corner meals as healthy as possible.
According to Susan Del Gobbo, University assistant clinical nutrition manager, "ordering a salad is not always the healthiest option; it is what's in the salad that matters."
Carole Havrila, University nutritionist and registered dietician at the cancer center, said darker green lettuces like Romaine, spinach and green leaf are more nutritious than iceberg lettuce.
While it is commonly believed the time you eat is very important, Mary Lou Perry, nutritionist at the heart and vascular center at the University, said the time of day that you eat does not necessarily matter; what matters is the total number of calories consumed throughout the entire day versus the amount burned.
"Overweight and obese people tend to eat most of their calories at night, but there is no biological mechanism that says eating at night makes you gain weight," Perry said.
She recommends that no more than five to 10 percent of your total daily caloric intake come from sweets.
Havrila said frozen yogurt is good because it's a source of calcium, but recommends keeping the candy toppings to a minimum.
She does recommend nuts as a topping. "They are a good source of healthy fat and protein, and eating them helps you from overeating later because they leave you feeling full," Havrila said.
While nuts are a good source of fat and protein, Havrila recommends limiting consumption of red meat. Saturated fat from red meat is especially bad for heart disease and cancer prevention, according to Havrila.
She recommends leaner cuts like sirloin or round. She also said bison burgers are slightly leaner than red meat and don't have hormones or antibiotics in them.
"The wilder the better," Perry said, referring to the fact that wild game has much less fat.
Havrila said most types of fish are pretty healthy, but to get the omega three fatty acids, salmon and tuna are the best.
The nutritionists also suggested other seemingly small dietary alterations, which can make big health differences.
"Milk makes a big difference in terms of grams of saturated fat, so anytime you can get non-fat or skim milk it can save you a ton of calories," Havrila said.
She also recommends 100 percent whole wheat bread with mustard and hummus as healthy condiments.
Canola and olive oil are the best oils for both salad dressings and cooking, Havrila said.
"Although there has been an increase in nutrition and health over the last 15 years, taste and convenience are still the main reasons that drive people's eating habits," Perry said.
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