The main dining room, otherwise known as the MDR, is the meal center for a majority of students. A particular group of students, the student-athletes, must focus on what they eat at the MDR.
As athletes, they must take into account the foods and meals that would increase their physical capabilities and performance in their sport. Two such athletes are Al Corrigan, of the cross-country and track team, and Ivan Villaneda, who runs track.
Al Corrigan is a sophomore nursing student who not only runs cross-country and track, but also will be running in the Boston Marathon this spring. She currently is rebounding from a stress fracture injury. However, Corrigan follows a particular strategy that she finds effective when it comes to eating at the MDR.
“I typically eat the same kind of things,” Corrigan said. “I always get the grilled chicken, and when they don’t have grilled chicken, I go over to the Mongo Bongo and get some from there. I also go to the salad bar a lot and eat the fresh items they have.”
Corrigan’s favorite location within the MDR is the Mongo Bongo because of the variety of foods available.
“They have a lot of vegetables there,” Corrigan said. “I can also get the brown rice and whole grains. I also like to take the hummus from the other stations and put it in with the stir fry. I just get a bunch of different things from the different stations to make something.”
When it comes to foods to be avoided, Corrigan tries to keep away from the deep-fried foods. When asked about the options of One Main Café and the Mezz, she was quick to point out her favorite.
“I really like the Mezz,” Corrigan said. “I feel like they have a lot of fresh foods.”
Ivan Villaneda is a sophomore athletic training major. He runs the 200 meters, 400 meters, and relays for the Crusaders, and he also aims to eat healthy when he is at the MDR.
“I try to keep my plate very diverse and hit all the basic food groups,” Villaneda said. “The Mongo Bongo is really good for after practice. [It provides] a recovery meal with a glass of chocolate milk on the side.”
When it comes to avoiding any particular foods, Villaneda stays away from the desserts, such as ice cream. Villaneda also feels that the One Main Café and the Mezz provide good options for student-athletes.
“There is a good amount of variety between the two,” Villaneda said. “You can always opt for a side of fruit or a side salad instead of fries or chips.”
The MDR is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the week and is open 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:45-6:00 p.m. on the weekends. The hours for One Main Café and the Mezz can be found on Capital’s website.
