Everywhere you turn, you will be bombarded by "fad" diets and advice on how to eat according to your particular body style, or even blood type. Many people have become millionaires by dispensing meaningless, even dangerous advice on how to change your diet. How do you know what's best for you? Common sense rules: If you are trying to maintain your weight and are active, eat a balanced diet, containing grains, vegetables and fruits, dairy products, and meat, chicken, or fish. Vegetarianism is gaining in popularity, but recent findings suggest that vegans do not receive sufficient amounts of B-12 in their diet. Beware! This deficiency can have serious consequences. Consult a nutritionist on campus, or read up on the Websites following for information on what you need to eat to maintain good health. If you find yourself gaining that Freshman "10" (or Sophomore "20"!), take a good look at what you are consuming. Avoid anything "creamed" - creamed corn, cream of mushroom soup or anything covered with cheese - eggplant parmigiana, potatoes au gratin, pizza. Unless you are cooking for yourself, it is difficult to be in control of nutrients you eat. Assume that when you eat out, the cook is NOT looking out for you self interest, that is, to eat healthfully . Most "college" food consists of fried foods and overcooked vegetables covered with cheese; in other words, foods with little or no nutrient value. Stick with salads with very little or low calorie dressing. Be creative. Don't starve yourself. As you begin your day, eat SOMETHING, whether it be a piece of fruit, bagel, or instant breakfast. If you suspect you may have an eating disorder (such as anorexia or bulimia), you may benefit from contacting your Counseling Office. There are many people afflicted with these disorders, especially in college, where the pressure to conform to a certain ideal is intense. Mom was right. Eat your vegetables. Poll | Goal Setting | Quiz | Experts Say | Links