<p>Hey, I'm currently a senior in high school, but attending PSU University park next fall. I'm not quite familar with food plans and such, but I do know each dorm is equipped with a small refrigerator and microwave. Now, I'm a bodybuilder/weightlifter and compete in summers. Since I'm obligated to purchase a meal plan, will I still be able to get in whatever food(s) I need?..i.e. During my bulk season, I eat about 250 grams of protein a day. Mostly a combination of skinless grilled chicken, tuna, and other good protein. Any advice on how I could keep such a diet in college with their food plans? Thanks!!</p>
<p>No idea. I'll just say that our school is considering having a mandatory meal plan, and I'll be really mad if this goes through. I think it depends on where you are going to school and if there are supermarkets near by. I think most colleges have a store in which you might find what you need but it will most likely be overpriced and offer little selection.</p>
<p>It depends what type of mealplan is required--if it's one of those "all you can eat" types, then you will probably be able to keep up your protein intake. If not, then plan on grocery shopping, changing your eating habits, or talking to the school admin. to see if you can get an exception to the rule for dietary reasons. good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks kwtortoise. I appreciate your input. I briefly looked through the meal plans and it appears as if eating is in fact limited. 35,000 students doesn't work to my advantage neither. Hopefully I can straighten something out.</p>
<p>emisbdn - Yea, I was thinking the same thing. A meal plan is required at PSU unfortunately. I can not suffice myself to the greasy, binge drinking lifestyle of the typical college student. Being at the #1 part school in the nation doesn't help much neither!!</p>
<p>I have been to the cafeteria's at Penn State UP. From what i remmeber, there's a salad area, there's like a hot food area with all sorts of stuff, there was a pasta area, a deserts area.. i dont remember in particular everything they had.. but it seemed like they had a good variety of food. Each group of residence halls had their own dining room. I was in the west halls waring commons building.</p>
<p>I know that a lot of the guys that work out at my school and want protein eat lots of eggs. but naturally the inside of the egg is fatty and bad for you, so they just sit there and skin like 10 eggs a meal and eat just the white part. apparently it's pure protein. I'm sure you already know this though; but at college it's what lots of the athletes do just cause eggs are always in the salad bar. Tuna is also normally included. I have never seen skinless chicken though...</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll be investing some time in skinning some eggs.</p>
<p>My boyfriend works out religiously during the school year, mostly because he needs to (football) but also for his own personal health. Since he started school however, his fat precentage has increased and he lacks the stamina he requires for the game. From what I know, his meal plans offer some sort of protein in every meal, and he eats a lot of it, but even still the other more inviting comforts of college (ie: Beer) set him back a lot. Good luck, and don't get sidetracked.</p>
<p>Thanks Lula..I'm not a drinker so hopefully I'll be able to stay on track.</p>