Sometimes, we all get a pizza craving. For me, it usually strikes at the worst time; I’ve spent all day eating healthy, being good, working out. And then, suddenly, the intense impulse to eat an entire pizza by myself hits. It just seems too easy. It’s just pizza! I can get it delivered to my door! Oh, and breadsticks, because I love breadsticks.

But at the end of the day, eating a day’s worth of calories and carbs isn’t a good choice. But how do I get rid of that pizza craving? You know, the desire for pepperoni, cheese and sauce? How on earth do I shake that? Through trial and error, I found the solution. And it includes three of my favorite salad greens ever: spinach, arugula and romaine. You’ll get tons of nutrients, including iron, along with some major flavor. Combined with tomatoes (full of lycopene, one of the best minerals out there), mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and tons of other yummy ingredients, your pizza craving will fade to only a memory and you won’t be left feeling guilty for eating two days’ worth of food while watching Law and Order: SVU. Read More »

Credit: Pooja Gandhi

If you’ve been a CollegeCandy reader for some time, you know we run our Intro to Cooking series every week, where even the most kitchen-shy co-ed can find easy, yummy recipes to please her suitemates (and sweet tooth!). Well, we’ve changed up the syllabus for Intro to Cooking: you’ll still get the fabulous recipes you love, but we’ll be including background nutritional info on specific ingredients that are must-haves in every college girl’s pantry.

I can’t praise this vegetable enough. Known for its unique, deep-violet hue and dense texture, eggplant is a perfect choice to substitute an extra serving or two of veggies for your usual bread or pasta. It’s quite filling on its own, and is low in calories (just 27 per 1 cup serving). It packs tons of phenolic antioxidant compounds, which boost the immune system and fight free radicals in the body.

Easy meals:

1. Chop an eggplant into small cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and lay on a baking tray. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes (or until edges brown and it is soft to the taste) at 350 degrees. Serve as you would potatoes, i.e. alongside a burger, veggies, scrambled eggs, etc.

2. For eggplant parmigiano, slice an eggplant into half-inch disks. Crack four eggs into one bowl, place bread crumbs in another bowl, and coat each disk first in the egg, then the bread crumbs, repeating the process once.  Place disks on a greased baking tray, covered with marinara and layers of mozzarella cheese, in the oven for 30-45 mins on 350 degrees. Read More »

Like most college kids, I’m a big fan of pizza. It’s great for a movie night with the girls or as a post-partying 2AM snack. While I love the stuff, I’m tired of feeling guilty about eating it. Good news: I don’t have to and neither do you!

Last year in my Intro to Nutrition Class I learned a little secret: pizza doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. Now, I am not telling you to go on an all pizza diet. But, like most things, if you make good pizza choices, it is totally fine to enjoy in moderation. And letting yourself have it means you won’t feel deprived and go crazy (read: eat 12 pieces) when it’s put in front of you.

Here’s what you need to know:

1) Thin crust is best- Always go with thin crust over deep dish or pan. It has fewer calories, less fat and is deliciously crunchy!

2) If possible, go whole grain- My dining hall always offers a whole grain crust option. Although I was initially scared of the darker, healthier crust, I actually really like it. Don’t have whole grain pizza in your d-hall? Order in! Pizza chains like Domino’s and Papa John’s are now offering this healthier option. Read More »