Healthier versions of Storrs Center favorites

Whether they’re sick of the dining halls, or just need a break from ramen noodles, almost every UConn student goes out to eat at some point; and with the new Storrs Center, options for food right off the southeast corner of campus, hungry students have more options than ever. With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, however, and with bitter temperatures keeping students inactive, many may be asking themselves: “how do I stave off winter weight given the new dining options?”

If one is looking for a meal at Moe’s Southwest Grill, be careful to avoid excessive cheese and dressings. The “Close Talker” a grilled chicken salad in a taco bowl, contains over 1000 calories – nearly 300 of which lie in the chipotle ranch dressing alone. Instead, one can opt for the vegetarian “Personal Trainer”, which comes out to a little less than 700 calories without dressing. Second-semester Business major Mike Rosenthal commonly orders a Moe’s chicken burrito when UConn dining hall food won’t do, which is second only to fish burritos in its protein-to-fat ratio. However, any customer to a restaurant that offers “free chips and salsa with every order, house rules” should be prepared to consume 360 calories on the free side alone.

Though sacrilegious for some, forgoing bacon, cheese and other burger extras is one of the easiest ways to eat healthier at Mooyah burger. Nick Greene, an eighth-semester student wrapping up his degree in Human Development and Family Studies, says that he doesn’t always eat fast food, but after hearing rave reviews about the new burger joint in class the other day, he ordered a standard (i.e. without bacon) “Mooyah Burger” and will “definitely come back.” Other suggestions for a lighter Mooyah experience include skipping the milkshakes, most over 600 calories for twelve ounces and going for the sweet potato fries.

The Dog Lane Café is the only non-chain addition to the Storrs Center line of restaurants, which unfortunately means that they lack corporate resources to compile a nutritional breakdown of their menu. This being said, much of Dog Lane’s options are relatively healthy. Kylie Hill, a fourth-semester psychology and communication disorders student has been to the Café multiple times for the atmosphere. It’s not a chain she said, describing the restaurant as “relaxing and inviting.” Because it’s locally based and sourced, the impression for Hill and friend Hannah Rudd has been one of a healthy alternative to fast food. Nearly every one of the sandwiches can drop a few calories if the dressing, mayo or cream cheese is left out. Furthermore, the house soups and chili – options differ daily – are filling yet healthy, and the turkey burger is a leaner alternative to traditional beef hamburgers.