Whether it is a piece of candy or a cup of yogurt, Convent of the Sacred Heart students can be found scattered among the hallways, the student dining room, or even in advisory or clubs, trying to get a quick bite before their next class. However, many do not pause and think about what they are actually eating.
Although the quantity of food Sacred Heart students consume is typically small, do not be fooled. In a chocolate chip muffin, there are approximately 364 calories and 14 grams of fat. A small bag of Lay’s potato chips has 200 calories and 13 grams of fat, with little to no nutritional value. In an eight ounce can of Pepsi, there are 100 calories and 28 grams of sugar.Though Sacred Heart does offer several healthy snack options in the student dining room, many girls opt for a salty bag of chips instead of a nutritious bowl of fruit.
“I don’t think that eating just one muffin would really impact your health,” sophomore Sabrina Carrozzi said.
Sacred Heart offers a variety of fruits such as bananas, apples and even fruit bowls, all in the same price range as the unhealthier options. A piece of fruit is low in calories and can tame sugar cravings without providing the drawbacks of fatty foods.They are rich in vitamins and fiber and therefore can help lower cholesterol and fat. For example, an apple has only about 65 calories and is a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.
“I love fruit,” sophomore Emily Davenport said. “I think it tastes great and it’s good for you too.”
This year Sacred Heart has also begun to sell Chobani yogurt. The vanilla flavor has 120 calories, but contains 16 grams of protein, is free of preservatives and is gluten-free.
Both fruit and Chobani yogurt are great alternatives to fattier foods, and are easily accessible at Sacred Heart. All it takes is replacing just two or three unhealthy snacks a week for an improved diet and a healthier lifestyle.
“I think that healthier foods just taste better,” sophomore Natalie Puente said. “They definitely give me an extra energy boost to get through the day.”
– Gabrielle Giacomo, Staff Writer