By Julia Matias
Complaints that Lackmann does not have enough options are partially true, at least for those, like myself (who can’t read past menus). About four weeks ago, I adopted a vegequarian diet (vegetarian but still eat fish) for Lent and for three and a half weeks, I’ve complained regularly that Lackmann is devoid of choices.
Most of my complaints are derived from the lack of fish or seafood options. I figured that giving up red meat would be okay just as long as I would have my fish by my side. The trout, salmon and tilapia that would be served every couple of days began to bore me, and I fell into a mozzarella sticks and cheese fries diet.
With two more weeks left until Easter, five bruises on my thighs and darkening circles under my eyes, I’ve decided-or forced myself to admit-that I need some iron (and nutrition) back into my system before someone accuses me of neglect. Much to my surprise, there are many options for vegetarians, or temporary vegetarians, on campus; it’s just a matter of looking and trying.
I sat down with senior Eric Dubinsky, a strict vegan for the past two years, to finally overthrow my failed attempt at being a vegetarian, or vegequarian or whatever it is that I am at present. He began to lecture me on nutrition.
Although meat contains much of the protein and iron that people consume everyday, it’s not the only choice. With a varied meal, it’s very easy to obtain the amount of protein and iron an individual needs. Beans, nuts, seeds, whole wheat, soy and hemp (no, not the type you smoke) all contain protein. If one were to eat three bean dishes a week with a side of spinach, that person would be bruise free. Eating fortified food, dried fruit, tofu, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and all type of nuts would supply the body with enough iron.
Calcium is also not difficult to obtain for vegetarians who still have cow milk and cheese as options, but for vegans out there who cannot consume any animal products, dark green leafy vegetables and tofu are your best friends. According to Dubinksy, the only tricky nutrient to find is Vitamin B-12. Soymilk, vegetables and fortified food will help since a person only needs a small amount, but he suggests supplements anyway.
So where would someone find all this? People don’t usually read labels and the back of juice boxes-unless they’ve been in line for too long during common hour-or pay attention to what is in front of them.
The most popular stop in the Student Center is the Organic Grille, toddler on campus since its birth in 2004. Anyone can buy a veggie burger, which is available in all burger spots on campus or an almost-tuna wrap. The whole-wheat pasta can be combined with anything from tofu to sun-dried tomatoes, and can be topped off with balsamic vinegar. The Organic Grille also serves freshly-baked vegan pizzas, vegetarian chili with tofu sour cream and vegan desserts such as blondies; just make sure to ask.
The Mediterranean Market serves vegetarian options, such as vegan “chicken” nuggets, falafels and whole wheat hummus wraps. The Moroccan cigars and potato pancakes are also great options for light snacking.
The Student Center Café has various choices. It has daily vegan entrées, from seitan strips (meat-looking dish), potpies, burritos and ravioli. The Mongolian Chop-Chop offers vegetarian salads and Pan Asia has several vegetable dishes. One can order a vegan taco shell with vegetables, rice, beans and guacamole; or vegan waffles in the morning. Pre-made vegan sandwiches are also served on the entire campus. All of the coffee shops provide soymilk for the avid caffeine drinker.
Nevertheless, there are actually options out there. If I had known three weeks ago what I know now, I wouldn’t be a walking bruise. Who knows, I may keep the diet. Studies do say people who have vegetarian diets live longer than the average meat-eater. The famous China-Cornell-Oxford Study (China Study), conducted between 1983 and 1990, found that because of the culture’s plant-based diet, Chinese people have significant low cases of diabetes, obesity and bone density.
I have two more weeks before Lent is over. If I’m a walking ball of energy by the time Spring Break is over, I might just decide to keep this new diet. For now, I’ll just have to remember that there are more options than my eyes can read.
Julia Matias is a sophomore psychology and speech communications student. You can e-mail her at [email protected].