Dining Hall
How to Eat More Calories at the Dining Hall
If you are trying to gain weight in college, the dining hall can actually make eating more calories easier. Instead of forcing yourself to eat enormous meals, focus on adding calorie-dense foods to meals you already enjoy.
1. Start with a main protein
Build your meal around a protein source such as chicken, beef, eggs, fish, dairy, or whatever entrée is available. Then add carbohydrates and higher-calorie sides around it.
2. Add more carbohydrates
Rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, wraps, cereal, and other carbohydrate sources can make it easier to increase the size of your meals. If one serving is not enough, grab another serving when it fits your goals.
3. Drink some of your calories
Milk or chocolate milk can add calories and protein without requiring another plate of food. This can be especially useful if you get full quickly.
4. Use calorie-dense additions
Cheese, peanut butter, sauces, dressings, granola, and similar foods can increase the calories in a meal without adding a huge amount of food volume.
5. Go back for a little more
You do not necessarily need a massive first plate. Eat your normal meal and, if you are still comfortable, go back for another small serving of something you enjoyed.
6. Do not skip dessert just because you are bulking
Dessert can fit into a weight-gain diet, but it should not replace foods that provide protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients. Think of it as an extra rather than the foundation of your diet.
Use the dining hall to your advantage
One of the biggest advantages of a college meal plan is having many foods available in one place. Find combinations you enjoy, eat consistently, and adjust your portions over time based on whether your body weight is actually increasing.