In honor of March being National Nutrition Month, the LSU Student Health Center hosted an event in Free Speech Alley during Tiger Wellness Week on Friday called “Dietitians Eat Donuts.”
On-campus registered dietitians gave out pamphlets, buttons and even donuts to students while teaching them how they can fit all types of food into their diet.
Registered Dietitian for Wellness and Health Promotion Services, Emily Caire, said that they decided to table in Free Speech Alley to catch students walking on their way to class. She said they handed out brochures for nutrition counseling and wellness services that the health center offers, as well as handouts about the dimensions of wellness.
Caire said the health center offers services for nutrition counseling year-round and students can access it for free through their tuition fees. She said she wanted to highlight to students that something like donuts can be part of a balanced and nutritious diet.
“Dietitians Eat Donuts” sign sits outside in Free Speech Alley.
“Plus, I’m wearing a giant donut costume,” Caire laughed.
Nutrition and food science senior Allison Hughs said that relationships with food is a very hot topic nowadays, and it’s important for students to be reminded that food is good for us and moderation is very important.
“Having a balanced diet keeps us healthy,” Hughs said.
At the table, there was a QR code that lead to a survey with questions about dieting and what foods can fit into the human diet. After students filled out the form, they got a donut.
The table also had information about the eating disorder treatment team, which is a big part of the health and wellness section of the health center. Hughs said the center is open year-round, even during summer, fall, winter and spring breaks.
“I really want students to know that if they should have a balanced diet with all the food groups,” Hughs said. “You’re not going to become unhealthy with one donut.”
Business freshman Skii Lawton said what attracted her most to the table was the donut signs. She said that spreading awareness about students’ relationship with food is important because students should do their best to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
“The survey helped me realize my bad eating habits and how I should fix them,” Lawton said.
Political science and communication freshman Natalie Kershaw said she was also intrigued by the donuts. She said she thinks it’s important for students on campus to know about a healthy relationship with food because it’s essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Kershaw said she learned that it’s important to not limit yourself.
“You can make everything fit as long as you have a balance,” Kershaw said.