Student works late hours on a healthy diet

Jessica Truitt stays healthy despite working long hours at Outback Steakhouse.

            “It can be really hard to eat healthily while working around yummy food all day” said Jessica Truitt, psychology sophomore. “I see lots of people eating fattening things like the Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, and it makes me crave unhealthy foods.”

            A lot of the time, eating at a restaurant doesn’t have to break the calorie bank.

            “Many restaurants nowadays have healthier options.” Said Jennifer Ray, Registered Dietitian. “If there aren’t any so called ‘healthy options’, many restaurants will customize meals to meet the needs of the customers. If you get grilled chicken and vegetables, ask for no oil. It really cuts out a lot of calories”.

            Truitt says despite her late hours, she never skips a meal.

            “If I go into work at 4:00 pm and leave when the restaurant closes, I make sure to eat something before I go in. This really helps me not crave the foods I see and smell while working. I also make sure to eat a small snack when I get off work as well, so I don’t get ravenous after not eating for a long period of time.”

            Truitt occasionally indulges in dessert after work so she isn’t too restrictive in her diet.

            “I love the ‘waffle’ dessert we have right now. It is so delicious. But I often share it with the other hosts and hostesses I work with. It helps me with portion control. Even though I do indulge, I still consider my diet very healthy and balanced despite my lack of time to prepare meals.”