When it comes to college, we often falter and get lost in the craze of what all it has to offer.
We all know what the social scene is like, which fraternity or sorority we want to rush or which bars we want to go to with our friends.
We also know what the academic scene is like, which professors you need to get and stay far away from, what the best place to study is and just how many all-nighters you're going to have to suffer through to maintain your GPA, but what about your body? What all is going into it?
Between the Chick-fil-A, the numerous Red Bulls and all of the beers chugged on the weekends to unwind, the healthy aspects of college are often forgotten altogether, and before you know it, the "Freshman Fifteen" is no longer a rumor. Fortunately, though, Auburn has tons of options to promote healthy lifestyles for its family, from the new Rec Center to some fine eating establishments promoting healthy food choices.
What are these eating establishments, and where are they?
Go Greek, not to be mistaken for the slogan pushing fraternity and sorority life, has a wide array of options, catering to a large customer base, ranging from vegetarians, vegans, and those that enjoy chicken that's not fried.
When reading its menu on the first floor of the Student Center, you can see food choices ranging from a Gyro Pita Fold, which has grilled Greek seasoned beef lamb meat stuffed into a warm pita pocket, to a Falafel, which is not only a well-balanced meal, but also appeals to vegetarians.
"I like going to there because normally mac and cheese and fajitas aren't healthy, but Go Greek has all organic ingredients, which are healthy, so I don't feel bad eating it," said Olivia Laing, freshman in pre-business. "Also the food makes you really full the whole day and you don't feel bloated sitting in class so it's a win-win!"
Olo sushi is also another popular choice among students.
Located in Village Dining and hallways of the Student Center occasionally, the sushi is all freshly made and rolled in front of the students.
While some of the sushi is indeed fried, Olo also takes requests for just about any roll and any ingredients you do or don't want in it.
From there they spread the rise over the seaweed wrap and add anything from cucumbers to cream cheese and fish options from salmon to shrimp, and it is then neatly rolled and chopped and served immediately to you, no pre-packaging required.
"It's so fresh and perfect for a quick meal between classes," said Courtney Davison, senior in radio, television and film.
For those looking for a place that is not only healthy for the body, but healthy for the spirit as well, you need look no further than Au Bon Pain.
Located on the first floor of the Student Center next to the Game Center, Au Bon Pain, or ABP as it is commonly referred to by students, offers an atmosphere similar to that of Panera Bread Company.
With food options ranging from soups and salads to wraps and warm sandwiches, ABP prides itself on the freshness of their food.
All bread is made daily and the fruits are ordered and brought in daily as well. "Everything about the place says healthy and it's delicious too," said manager Terrence Bradley. "Even the customer base is healthy. In the afternoon we have tons of people come in from the gym and we get a lot of vegans and vegetarians too."
Bradley believes the healthiness of ABP does not just stop at the consumption of the food, but the relationship that is built with its customer base as well.
This was evident from a simple introduction. Bradley's lanyard is decorated with a pin from every sorority on campus, and the passion he has for his job makes ABP feel a lot more like home, rather than just a place to eat on campus.
A fun fact of Au Bon Pain is its secret menu.
Don't go during the main hours and ask for the items, but come during the afternoon, when campus has died down, and you are in for a treat.
All secret menu items are named after students, such as "The Merrideth", which is a piece of grilled chicken topped with egg white, basil pesto, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
At ABP your experience will not only be healthier, but will have you leaving in better spirits than you had when you initially came in.
When asked what message Bradley said he would like to give to incoming freshman looking for a healthy place to eat, Bradley said, "Auburn is all family, and family will take care of family."
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