A Student’s Guide to Eating Local

Did you know that the average banana travels more than 4000 km before being sold in a grocery store (Iowa State University)? These “food miles” have become an indicator of how sustainable our food systems are. A high number of food miles is consistent with a larger carbon footprint. It is now easier than ever

Brain-foods for exam season

As we are nearing the end of the semester and exam season is rapidly approaching, it may be a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of making nutritious food choices and maintaining balanced eating habits during this stressful time. Many of us often get too caught up with studying, prepping for exams or

The Importance of Carbohydrates.

Should I avoid carbohydrates? Everyone has heard it, “Avoid carbs if you want to lose weight!” Carbohydrates are often negatively labelled as the ‘enemy’ from diet culture, but do you know exactly what they are? and why we need them? What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules and are one of the

Dietitian feature: Jessie Trupp and her role at UofG’s Hospitality Services

Jessie Trupp is a Registered Dietitian working for Hospitality Services at the University of Guelph. Jessie’s main roles on campus include meeting with students with allergies (upon request), collaborating with chefs and managers on department initiatives, and working with SNAP. Jessie is also a #UofG Grad! You can contact Jessie at jtrupp@uoguelph.ca if you are:

Fruit-Rich Treats for a Refreshing Summer

Summer is that time of year when everyone starts feeling the need for a little bit of sweetness in their lives. And what better way to enjoy your summer treats than by making them yourself? In this article, we’ve gathered some of our favourite fruity, summer treat recipes, and we hope you enjoy them as

Dietitian Feature: Kelsey Lloyd and the Link between Nutrition and Physical Activity

Kelsey Lloyd, M.S., R.D., is a Registered Dietitian (RD) from Washington, US. Kelsey is currently working in a clinical pediatric setting. In past roles, Kelsey has worked in public health communications and general health/fitness/sports nutrition as an RD at a gym. Kelsey has a passion for sports nutrition and has generously given us the opportunity

Probiotics 101: An Intro to Gut Health

Did you know that the human gut is the host to trillions of microbes? Though you might have heard the terms microbes, microbiome, and probiotics floating around within these past few years, what does it all really mean? In today’s blog, we will be breaking down terminology, discussing the benefits and possible side effects of

Meatless Meals on Campus

Here at the University of Guelph, there are dining options for everyone! This includes having a variety of plant-based and meatless options available across campus. Here is a list of places where you can find some of our many plant-based options: Nature’s Best specializes in exclusively meatless options (Creelman Hall, UC Chef’s Hall). Also look for vegetarian

Should I be gluten-free?

You’ve seen the labels “gluten-free or “GF” in grocery stores, restaurants, and even on social media, but what does this mean? A consumer market survey has shown that 33% of Canadians believe gluten-free products are healthier.1 It has also been shown that only 57% consume gluten-free foods for medical reasons, while the remaining percentage implemented it for other factors.4 Gluten-free diets have gained traction among the general, healthy population in

Nutrition and Immune Health

A healthy immune system is the first line of defense against viruses, infections and disease. Now more than ever, supporting our immune health has become of incredible importance in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve been facing for over a year now. A healthy, balanced diet is one of many factors in supporting a healthy

Stay Hydrated with SNAP

The weather is heating up as we are getting into the summer months here in Ontario, which means it’s an important time to refresh our knowledge of hydration! This blog post will be discussing all things hydration, including signs of dehydration, tips for staying hydrated and more – so let’s dive in!  It is necessary to stay

The Zucchini Bread Approach

The Importance of Reestablishing a Connection between Land and Nutrition The importance of eating local food extends beyond environmental and ethical reasons, and may boost the organoleptic and nutritional qualities of food, as well as the psychophysical pleasure we get from it. Therefore, I would like to reflect upon the close relationship between agriculture and nutrition. To introduce this

Tips for Nutritious Eating on a Budget

As a university student, it can be challenging to eat nutritious, fresh foods all the time. Especially because for many students, it can be their first time grocery shopping, or grocery shopping for one. It can be difficult to know where to start, what to buy, and how to go about it, all while managing living alone

Eating Disorders & Mental Health: An Interview with Jessie Trupp

Written by Yumi Chow, SNAP Coordinator (2021) Meet Jessie Jessie Trupp (@themoodyfoodierd) is a graduate from the University of Guelph and a Registered Dietitian practicing in Ontario. Jessie’s main areas of interest include eating disorders, addictions and mental health, diabetes, and public health. We had the opportunity to chat with Jessie about mental health and

What is Intuitive Eating?

We hear the phrase ‘intuitive eating’ all the time but do we really know what that entails or understand the concept entirely? To be intuitive means to act based what you feel to be true even without conscious reason. Think about it this way, you go to the bathroom whenever your body tells you to

How to Maximize Nutrient Absorption

It is important to make the most out of the foods we eat. But did you know there are ways that we can help our foods help us and ensure we receive the utmost benefits from the foods we consume?  This has to do with the concepts of digestion, absorption and bioavailability.  Digestion and absorption are processes

Can You Be Healthy at Any Size?

We live in a culture of “wellness” in which we fixate on our appearance in the name of health, measuring our body against a standard that goes in and out of style like a clothing trend. A simple picture of someone’s body posted on Instagram is taken as an open invitation for commentary and used

Eating on Campus is a SNAP!

As the new school year approaches, some students may be starting to worry about eating on campus… “Will they offer vegan food that suits my tastes?” “What if there aren’t allergy-friendly options available for me to eat?” “I’m worried they might not serve healthy food on campus!” Does this sound like you? If so, have

Super Snacking Tips

Finding healthy snacks as a university student can feel like a challenge, especially finding ones that you enjoy and that are nutritionally beneficial. It can be hard on the University of Guelph campus, when you’re rushing around with 10 minutes between lectures to always choose a healthier option, which is okay! Enjoying everything in moderation

Kick-Start Your Summer with SNAP

For many first year university students, the beginning of the school year can be a time of significant changes, including changes in eating habits. Whether you find yourself making an  unfortunate switch from home-cooked meals to ramen noodles, or improving your diet  by choosing healthy options on campus or learning to cook better, the process

The New Canada’s Food Guide!

The new year saw the release of the brand new Canada’s Food Guide (2019)! Canada’s new go-to guide for healthy eating has generated a lot of buzz, in the nutrition community and beyond. This is because it is very different from the old guide! In fact, the old food guide, called Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide (2011),

The Bare Bones of Osteoporosis

You may have heard of osteoporosis, and think that it’s an old age problem, so why worry about it now when we’re in university, and still young? Well, some of our current lifestyle factors can help prevent osteoporosis from developing later on in life. Did you know that we reach peak bone mass by the

What’s a Reliable Nutrition Resource?

I haven’t always found enjoyment from eating.  Actually, this is a new phenomenon since studying Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph. When I was in high school, I struggled with my body image. I stressed about my weight and in relation, what I ate. I remember reading a book about gluten free diets

Smoothies Make The Day Go Smoothly

Are you rushed in the morning or find that you never have time to make breakfast? Do you find your stomach rumbling half way through your first class? If you love fruit and experimenting in the kitchen, try a smoothie for breakfast or as a snack!

Tips for Dining Out

With the 2021 new year well on its way, it brings along with it a whole new series of birthdays, work gatherings, friend and family reunions etc. Whatever your plans may be, you’ll probably find yourself eating out at a restaurant at some point.

Stress-Eating during Exams

Finals season is finally coming up for us, and that calls for a lot of brain work! As we prepare to spend many hours spent in the library with our eyes glued to expensive textbooks and bright laptop screens, we must also prepare to eat well during this time.

Work Out Nutrition

Working out is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to consider carbohydrates, proteins and fluids and how each can help enhance your workout.

Eating Nutritiously during Midterms

September has flown by, bringing with it all of the fall festivities of October. Halloween is fast approaching, which means midterms are approaching even faster. Already starting to feel the stress? Keep reading for a few helpful tips and insights to stay healthy through your midterm season.

Do Detox Diets Really Work?

You’ve seen it a thousand times before: ‘X Detox Diet will help you lose weight, feel better and look younger!’ Have you wondered how detox diets work and if they are actually effective?

Make This Year’s Resolution Your Last

With a New Year comes the season of New Year’s resolutions. The cardio room at the gym is full, gym memberships are skyrocketing, and a wave of change is in the air. Everyone is claiming that this year will be “their year”. But wait; is this déjà vu?

The Link Between Mental Health and Nutrition

Did you know that the human brain is sensitive to the food we eat? Nutrition plays an active role in mental health.

Nutrition Myth Busting with SNAP!

The Student Nutrition Awareness Program (SNAP) is your on-campus resource at the University of Guelph that provides you with reliable nutrition information and online nutrition resources. With so many nutrition claims and fad diets out there, it’s hard to know what advice is credible. Luckily, SNAP is here to help! We’ve tackled some of the

Eating Healthy over the Holidays

Everyone knows the holiday break means going home and eating Mom’s homemade food and Grandma’s yummy baked goods. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favourite foods with your family, some may be wondering how to balance eating the foods you love and avoid feeling fatigued.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants at a Glance Walking through the grocery store, you’ve probably seen labels boasting about antioxidants and their spectacular properties. Have you ever wondered what actually makes up antioxidants and why they’re apparently so good for you? Antioxidants are found in many different types of foods and have earned a reputation for having numerous healthy benefits. It has

How to Eat Nutritiously in Residence

Are you a new student at the University of Guelph, wondering how to juggle your classes while maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet? The transition from high school to university can certainly be difficult, but luckily SNAP’s here to help provide support! 1. Plan your meals The first tip is to PLAN YOUR MEALS. It can