In the midst of class, tests and deadlines, slowing down and enjoying a meal has become a lost art.
In today's culture, eating at a greasy fast food chain is the easy way out. Auburn gives students the opportunity to have quality ingredients at fast-food speed. Any self-proclaimed foodie, such as myself, will tell you it is more about what you are eating, not where you are eating.
As an avid cook and meal planner, I typically try to do my homework on what is in season, and then use that to navigate my order at a restaurant.
In October, keep an eye out for sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin and broccoli. Those are a few of the in-season vegetables many restaurants may offer as they become available.
Vegetarians and vegans alike have jumped on the foodie train, as they are rely more heavily on quality ingredients. Vegetarians and vegans depend on natural foods with protein, such as beans and nuts, to sustain their energy. On campus, there are restaurants that can meet your needs.
Auburn's dining services are taking leaps and bounds to serve local ingredients and produce from Lee County. Students, jump on this offer.
Eating local cuts out the middleman, which in some cases is a corporate manufacturer adding preservatives to food. Foodies thrive on local, natural ingredients because gourmet meals consist of fresh flavors.
One of the latest trends is farm-to-table dining. Eating food grown in our region has never been easier or better for you. Farmers' markets are booming and restaurants are hearing the cry for fresh and local foods.
Auburn's Campus Dining started the Eat Local campaign as an awareness to students that eating local has many benefits in flavor and in one's health. It was created to educate students on the importance of eating fresh and local while supporting the community around us.
However, no one said eating well was necessarily good to your credit card. There is a price to pay if you want to indulge in quality ingredients. Fortunately, Auburn gives students a generous allowance to play with. Especially the on-campus dwellers. With $995 per semester, on-campus students are not going to go hungry.
For commuting students, such as myself, we have to be a little more conscientious of where our dollar is being spent. With $300 per semester on our Tiger Card meal plan, we are given less wiggle room to splurge. That being said, creativity is key in deciding what to eat.
From make-your-own sushi to smoothie trucks, Auburn's campus dining services does not fall short. Next time you are feeling adventurous, try something new and support your local farmers.
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