Vegetarian Ideas in the Dining Halls?!
Answers: I am a college student, and a newly vegetarian. I am looking for some good ideas of things I can eat in the dining room.. any help??
Baked potatoes are always a good way to go, but it is really hard if your caf isn't veg friendly! Pasta and marinara, bean burritos, salad bar (be sure to add beans for protein) hummus and veggie sandwich wraps. And don't forget that a suggestion box can be your best friend. Ask the manager of the dining room if they could provide a 'veg friendly' option on the menu during at least one meal a day. Band together with other veggies and try to have a dialogue with the manager, if that's what it takes.
I'm sure there are other veggies on your campus that would appreciate your advocacy in this matter!
Good luck. I remember how tough it was to be a vegetarian on campus...
OH and another thing. Kill two birds with one stone, and ask for ethnic dishes (stir fries, vegetarian curries, lentils and rice)
Enjoy some wholesome carrots.
Since you're newly vegetarian, you may not have noticed that your dining hall already serves a lot of vegetarian options. If not, feel free to contact them and let them know that you'd like to see more vegetarian main courses. Many campus dining halls can get quite creative and expose you to new veggie foods you never would have found on your own. The campus I went to eventually opened an entire vegetarian section with vegetarian/vegan panini sandwiches and ethnic main dish options, but first students had to let them know it was in demand.
If you can't find enough options, let someone at the school know. Maybe you don't know where to look. Talk to someone. Just ask, and the school will get it!
Vegetarian dining on campus (I assume we are talking about on-campus meal plans or dining) can be difficult depending up on the school you go to. I've found that requesting vegetarian options can help. My college had a make-your-own pizza place and a taco place, and I found it easy to request a no-cheese pizza (I'm a vegan) or a bean & vegetable burrito. Don't hesitate to ask for something altered to suit your diet. They should also have a salad & soup bar, and most schools will usually have at least one vegetarian soup. Just ask what broth they use, and if there is any meat in it. If your school has required meal plans and you're finding dining on-campus too difficult, I suggest talking with the dining management staff, and in some cases (if the privilege hasn't been abused) they will allow you to get a note from your doctor stating you are vegetarian and switch to an all-debit or no meal plan.
pasta and sauce, rice, beans (ask if the refried beans are made with lard) any veggies, french fries. chips salads. my cafeteria made creme chese spiach rolls they were great. if you cant find a main course, just make a meal out of side dishes.
My college had plenty of vegetarian options.