This summer, my family experienced drastic changes in our eating habits.  My father changed his diet to improve the quality of his life as a result of an illness.  

After we made the decision to begin eating healthier, we brainstormed ways to incorporate more nutritious alternatives into our lives.  

Inspired by my father’s efforts, I swapped cookies and potato chips for fruits, vegetables and other organic and gluten free snacks.  Although difficult at first, I maintained this way of eating throughout the entire summer and was proud of my dedication to my goals.     

As school approached, I became concerned about sustaining this diet while eating at Convo. Entering this year, my recollections from Convo hinged upon greasy burgers, pizza, fries and an endless choice of desserts.  

How would I ever find anything that would fit my new eating habits at Convo?  I feared going to Convo and reluctantly eating only a salad every day.

At the beginning of the year, I vowed to find new options at Convo that would allow me to continue eating healthy.  After exploring the different options, I was surprised by the wide variety of nutritious meals that Convo offers on a daily basis.   

Although pizza, ice cream and brownies can be delicious, selecting a wider variety of items will help individuals maintain a healthy weight, avoid the freshman 15, improve their energy level and make them feel better about themselves overall.  All students should become familiar with the nutritious alternatives at Convo and make an effort to incorporate them into their daily lives.

Over the years, Convo has added healthy items to the menu, according to General Manager of Dining Operations Fred Geib. 

“Changes on the rotisserie were made because last year we received numerous requests for more vegetables and no butter,” Geib said. “With the increased demand for gluten and dairy free options it seemed logical for us to create a gluten/dairy free zone.” 

Rather than simply offering salad, Convo mixes it up by adding in different salad varieties such as steak salad and Mediterranean chicken salad.  Besides these foods, other items entail soy cheese & gluten free personal pizza crust, gluten free pasta and whole grain breads.

Convo also focuses on where they obtain their meat.  

“The chicken we purchase is from Gerber poultry which is located 30 miles from here in Kidron, Ohio,” Geib said. “They are fed a vegetarian diet and no growth hormones.”  

Freshman Steph Magliulo serves as one student who pursues healthier options at Convo and uses the nutritional information on the signs in Convo.

“I try to see whatever specials they have,” Magliulo said. “The nutrition facts are really helpful.”  

She usually eats salads as well as whole grain sandwiches.

“They have enough alternatives,” she said.

However, many students may not be aware of these changes.

“Some people just rush through,” junior Jackie Horn said. “A lot of times you don’t know what’s healthy and what’s not healthy.”

The past two years, I have resembled one of the students who is not fully aware of the healthy initiatives at Convo.  My experiences with my father have opened my eyes to the importance and necessity of living a healthy lifestyle. 

Although many people may associate Convo with Walking Tacos or fudge brownies, it is actually paving the way for healthy meal options.  

All students should take advantage of the nutritious foods that will benefit their minds and bodies for the future.