Why Nutrition Matters

engagement of the student body through social media and various events. One of those students, Spring Hill, Florida, junior Delaney Webb, said they have a variety of resources that students should look into.

“We offer resources such as one-onone nutrition counseling, disordered eating support, food allergy counseling, medical nutrition therapy, grocery store tours, cooking demos and presentations,” Webb said.

Murray senior Ryan Messenger, a student working with Hilltopper Nutrition, said there are many healthy options for meal plans that are detailed in a guide on their website.

“Some of my biggest advice for students looking to eat healthier with a meal plan is to make sure they eat three balanced meals a day,” Messenger said. “Do not skip breakfast. Incorporate fruits and/or vegetables into each meal. Look for lean protein sources, and plan meals into your schedule just as you would homework.”

Hilltopper Nutrition knows eating healthy meals on and around campus can be a challenge. Maggie Vincent, a senior from Henderson who works with Hilltopper Nutrition provided tips to do so.

“Ways to eat healthier on and around campus include looking at nutrition facts at restaurants,” Vincent said. “Also, checking out our resources on how to save at the grocery store and how to buy nutritious food.”

As WKU’s nutrition associate manager, Kelci Murphy enjoys meeting with students about different options that are available for them through meal plans on campus.

College life is the bridge between adolescence and adulthood. It’s a time for students to develop healthy habits that will shape their adult lives and impact their wellbeing for years to come. While food and nutrition are only one aspect of health and wellness, it’s important to make intentional and healthful eating choices.

Hilltopper Nutrition was created to help educate and engage students in healthy eating habits and ensure they get the necessary nutrition they need. Kelci Murphy, a registered dietitian nutritionist who works for the WKU Restaurant Group, manages the program.

“Food and nutrition are not only vital for survival and growth but are also key to maintaining good health and preventing chronic disease,” Murphy said.

It’s often difficult to translate the science of nutrition or put the information into practice. Hilltopper Nutrition was created to help students navigate the ever-changing field of nutrition, Murphy said.

“I want to help others. College was a pivotal time in my own life, so I know how important and transformative these years are for our students,” Murphy said. “If I can help them cultivate sustainable habits and achieve their nutrition-related goals, then I have met my goal.”

Murphy works to teach students how important nutrition and healthy eating habits are in college and said she wants to help them understand how to take care of themselves so that they can stay healthy throughout their lives.

“Just like gas fuels a car or electricity fuels a lightbulb, food or nutrition fuels the human body,” Murphy said.

Hilltopper Nutrition employs student assistants who help with the hands-on

Mount Juliet, Tennessee, senior Skylar Lawrence, another student working in the Hilltopper Nutrition Program, said there are many reasons for students to visit a registered dietitian, including learning about more healthful food choices, figuring out unusual eating habits, navigating a food allergy and more.

Hilltopper Nutrition is working to show students the many ways they can fit healthy eating into their busy schedules. Through social media posts about ways to find nutritious meal options on and off campus, tabling events around campus promoting nutrition, community education talks to classes or groups, and much more, Hilltopper Nutrition works to promote positivity around food and healthy eating habits. To take advantage of resources, visit www.wku.edu/ hilltoppernutrition or follow @wkudietitian on Instagram. To schedule an appointment or to book for a class or group, contact Kelci Murphy, RDN, LD at 270-745-4650 or kelci. murphy@wku.edu.