Collegiate Times

Every year, thousands of new students descend upon Blacksburg looking for an education, a leg up on the competition or just a fresh start. But how much do we really think about the potential we have to affect the town we now call home — or it’s potential to affect us?

One of the easiest and most fundamental things we can consider in this respect is the way we eat. Now, I’m all for freedom of choice, but have you ever stopped to think about what your choice of meal means in your role as a local consumer? If not, I’d like to offer a few reasons why what you eat is worth a second thought.

First, and perhaps most relevant, it has been proven that a healthy diet equals better academic performance. And yes, by healthy I’m referring to eating your vegetables, drinking enough water and laying off the refined white flour. There’s at least 40 years worth of scientific data to back up the claim that what you eat affects how well you think.

As a recent example, a study published in the journal Nutrition in October 2008 conclusively showed that eating regular meals, especially breakfast, helped prevent fatigue and increased academic performance.

On that note, a quick lesson in nutrition: a muffin does not constitute breakfast. If you want to avoid a mid-morning crash, include some healthy protein like yogurt or eggs.

And if you think you can handle it, cut back on the caffeine and try some orange juice instead. Trust me, given the choice your body would rather have the vitamin C and natural fruit sugars.

One seemingly obvious option to making healthier food choices is to learn more about what it means for a food to be “healthy.” If you have room for an elective, the Food and Nutrition class in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise still has open seats, and drop/add doesn’t end until Monday. Go ahead and check it out.

A second reason to reconsider fast food is the impact you can (and do) have on preserving the unique character of Blacksburg. One thing that makes Blacksburg so attractive is the strong sense of community, especially with regards to food. There are far more locally owned places a which to eat here than there are chain restaurants.

Now, I realize that for some of you it’s difficult to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, but why did you come to college if not to have new experiences? Wendy’s and McDonald’s will always be the same no matter where you are, but you will certainly have missed out if you don’t at least once try the lunch buffet at India Garden, one of my personal favorites. (And, for that matter, it’s hard to beat Gillie’s for a great breakfast.)

The more consumers choose these local businesses, the easier it will be to maintain them as a vital part of the Blacksburg community. A quick way to get an idea of what’s out there to explore is by visiting the Blacksburg Partnership Web site, where you can check out the town by section.

Continue Reading: 12 Next »