Nutrition & Wellness

Approximately 33 million people in the U.S. are affected by food allergies, including the top 9 allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame, and soy.

UChicago prioritizes safety by maintaining nut-avoidant dining commons which prohibits the use of peanuts and tree nuts, except for coconut. This includes products that contain peanuts and tree nuts and products that are made on shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts. Additionally, all dining commons have a Pure Eats station which avoids the top 9 allergens as well as gluten.

For food allergy support, contact our campus dietitian. Please email: dining-dietitian@uchicago.edu.

Staying hydrated is an important part of a balanced diet. General guidelines recommend drinking eight 8-oz servings of water per day. This guideline can be easily met by carrying a water bottle with you, eating watery foods, and getting a drink with your meals.

Our dining common’s cups can hold 16 oz of water if filled up. Drinking 4 of those cups per day would get you to your water goal!

Have an extra cup of water if you’ve been physically active or sweaty throughout the day. Be on the lookout for signs of dehydration, which include thirst, dry mouth, headache, muscle cramps, and dark-colored urine.

Food intolerances are very common in the U.S. and affect roughly 20% of the population. Food intolerances differ from food allergies as they do not cause an allergic response in the body. Instead, many symptoms are digestion-related, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. The most common food intolerances are to dairy, gluten, and caffeine.

All UChicago dining commons have WAND tablets at each station that display the menu items, calories per serving, ingredients list, and quick identifier symbols. The quick identifier symbols include whether an item is vegetarian, vegan, avoiding gluten, a good source of protein, and if it is climate friendly. This information is also available on the UChicago Dining website and DineOnCampus app. In addition, the Pure Eats station avoids all top 9 food allergens as well as gluten.

Reach out to our campus dietitian with any questions about food intolerances at: dining-dietitian@uchicago.edu.

There are 3 macronutrients that your body needs- protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

• Carbohydrates provide immediate energy for your body and are the main source of fuel for your brain. That’s why skipping meals or cutting carbs can make you feel foggy and have difficulty concentrating. Eating carbs fuels your muscles so you can complete workouts, play sports, and walk long distances. They are an incredibly important part of a balanced diet.
• Proteins are the building blocks of your body. Protein builds new muscle, improves muscle recovery, enables your body’s various systems (like the immune system) to work well, and are also important for the health of your hair and nails.
• Fats are used as a form of energy, are necessary for certain nutrients’ absorption, play a role in hormone production, and considerably contribute to the taste and satiety of food. Certain fats are healthier for your body than others. Saturated fats are found in animal products like meat and dairy, as well as in coconut and palm oils. These items should be limited in your diet in order to protect your heart health. Mono- and poly-unsaturated fats are found primarily in plant-based foods, like avocados and nuts, but also in fish. Your diet should consist mainly of these healthier fats.

UChicago dining commons have a variety of healthy options for you to create a unique and balanced plate to your liking.