Student Life Archives

As we arrive back on campus, many “get-togethers” occur to celebrate reuniting with our friends. Much to my disappointment, it is rare to come across vegetable platters or fruit bowls at these events-you are much more likely to find dishes of the usual chips, cookies and candy. While obviously not healthy choices, it is OK to eat these foods once in a while. I may be the writer and creator of Health Beat, but that doesn’t mean I condemn the idea of eating a cupcake, a cookie or some chips every now and then. However, I do believe that that one must be very careful in doing so because it is easy to binge on tasty treats. You may not see an immediate impact on your health and well-being after enjoying something sugary, but it very well could wreak havoc on your waistline in the not-so-distant future.

So what, when and how can you indulge without ending up looking like the Pillsbury Dough Boy?

There is a common belief in the dieting world that when it comes to junk food, it is allowed, as long as it is in “moderation.” In this sense, moderation is referring to the quantity and frequency with which one chooses to have high-calorie foods. I’ll use a doughnut as an example of quantity control. The average doughnut has 310 calories and 16.5 grams of fat, but a doughnut hole, which is much smaller, has just 65 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. When it comes to the frequency of eating junk food, having a concrete from Ted Drewes or fries from Bear’s Den every once in a while will not ruin your health. It is when a person has a concrete or fries every night that he or she may develop problems. So what is a healthy portion and how often can you eat these treats?

Appropriate portion size of different types of junk food can be determined by the calorie content of each food. For example, seven tortilla chips have more calories than fifteen mini pretzels. Every food differs in fat, carbohydrate, sugar and calorie content, and all are important components in determining the relative “healthiness” of a food. But when it comes to weight maintenance, calorie intake is the most important thing to watch. If you eat as many calories as you burn in a day, you will maintain your weight. Eat more calories than you burn and you will gain weight; eat fewer calories than the daily allotment and you’ll lose weight. Thus if you choose to splurge, it is important to keep in mind just how many calories you are adding to your daily intake.

There are many treats on campus that contain between 200 and 250 calories. If you are a sweets person, you can indulge on 1 whole Rice Krispie treat, 2/3 of a sugar cookie with M&Ms or half a brownie with walnuts. If salty is more your style, a snack-size bag of Rold Gold Pretzels, Ruffles, Nacho Doritos or ¬ of a serving of Bear’s Den tortilla chips are all good choices.

You can check the nutritional information of the “junk foods” on campus by visiting http://diningservices.wustl.edu/. Select a dining location on campus and click on the nutrition pyramids to find out ingredients and nutrition information in different food items.

Keep in mind that as a general rule you should eat healthy snacks and meals, but even in a healthy diet there is always some room for junk food, as long as it is “in moderation.”

A new school year is starting. You’re signing up for new classes. You’re meeting new people. You may be moving into a new apartment or dorm. You may be joining new clubs, choosing a new major, or hanging out in different places on the weekends than you did last year.

Why am I pointing all of these things in a dating advice column? Simple: because you are going to change this year. You are not exactly the same person you were a year ago. You are also not exactly the same person now as you will be a year from now. Realizing these things is crucial to making the best of your dating life, whether you are single or in a relationship.

If you are in a relationship at any age, you need to continually assess your compatibility with your partner as well as the direction your life is heading in relation to that of your partner. This is especially necessary when you are a teenager or in your twenties though, because young adults change so much and so frequently. Young adulthood is when you become mature enough to become comfortable with an identity and take concrete steps to shape it and live by it. Some of the choices you make will work, and you will continue to integrate them into your life. Some of them will not work, and you will need to figure out another principle or goal that feels more appropriate and follow that instead. And as you reinvent parts of yourself, you need to make sure to keep your partner aware of the changes you make. Tell her what you have learned about yourself and find out what your partner has learned about herself. Continue to discuss the changes you make in your lives, because there will inevitably be changes. Find out whether your current selves are still compatible. If you still work together that’s a good thing, but don’t let that make you complacent. Continue to be mindful of and interested in your growth and that of your partner, and continue to reassess the relationship.

It is possible that you may come to the painful realization that who you have become conflicts with who your partner has become. You have to discuss the changes and the conflict with your partner, and then you have a choice to make. Is the conflict something that makes things between you and your partner more complex but does not undermine your core values or your ability to be happy? If so, then the conflict is something you should probably consider working through, because there still may be a way to make the relationship work long-term if that is what both you and your partner want.

However, if your most important values and goals conflict now with your partner’s core ideals and motivations, you may have to consider whether the relationship is worth continuing. If you impede on something that is important to your partner or your partner is a sort of obstacle to something important to you, then continuing the relationship could very likely breed resentment. Even if it doesn’t, it will at the very least send your ability to become your full adult self (as well as your partner’s ability to become his adult self!) to a grinding halt. Although the risk of realizing you have grown apart is an unpleasant one, it pales in comparison to the misery you will face if you never assess the relationship at all, and only realize years or decades down the road how little you have had in common since you were eighteen, twenty, or twenty-two.

If you are single you need to apply this same critical eye to your expectations and your interests. Have you re-evaluated your “type” recently? Or have you been interested in people with the same personality traits and life interests since you were thirteen? If you take a minute to ask why, it may be for good reason. The characteristics you have sought for years could still describe a person you will enjoy, or a person who is good for you. But, they may not. It may be time to refocus your attentions toward people with new characteristics, characteristics that will complement, nurture and intrigue you as you are now.

It’s so comfortable to keep on doing what you’ve always been doing: to see yourself as the same person you’ve been for a very long time or to see your current or potential love interests as the same old people as always. But, you’re changing and they’re changing-it is unrealistic to expect otherwise. Take the time to evaluate these changes now, at the beginning of the school year, when the fact that you are changing is most obvious. You will reach your full potential and be more satisfied in the long run if you get in the habit of evaluating your ideals, your life goals and what you want out of a partner.

Do you have any questions about love, dating, sex or romance that you want me to answer in a future Scene column? If so, e-mail them to [email protected]. All names will be changed and all identifying details will be confidential.

Boosters Caf‚
Rating: 4/5
567 Melville Ave. on the Delmar Loop,
University City, MO 63117
Tel. (314)721-4499
Price Range: $4-8

Just off of the Loop near Blueberry Hill, Boosters Caf‚ is now up, running and waiting to greet its first customers.

Opened this summer, Boosters offers a casual, relaxed dining experience at low prices.

Entering the caf‚, it was easy to tell that Boosters is not a chain. The d‚cor is warm, clean and comfortable with buttery yellow walls that display photos of St. Louis landmarks. From the beginning, our dining experience was full of charm.

After looking around a bit, it became clear that certain aspects of the restaurant were still in the works. Although there was an “order here” sign typical of chains like Bread Co. or Chipotle, there was no large menu posted near the sign.

This led to some brief confusion until my friends and I were handed to-go style menus and told to take a seat at one of the tables. Our server was young, nice and friendly, asking us things like where we went to school. A woman who appeared to be the owner looked on smiling and asked about what we’re studying.

Boosters Caf‚ focuses on breakfast, served from 7-11 a.m., and lunch, which is served from 10:30 a.m. till 10 p.m. This restaurant’s menu is simple, composed of mostly classic offerings with some unorthodox touches mixed in. While some may crave more variety, I found the Booster’s approach to be a pleasant change from the massive menus that seem to have become the norm. Breakfast items include such standards as eggs, bacon, toast and pancakes “from scratch.”

One breakfast specialty is the scrambler: three eggs scrambled with cheese, onion, and sweet peppers, saut‚ed potatoes, whole wheat toast or an English muffin and either bacon or sausage. The scrambler is served with homemade syrup and salsa-and all of this for $6.50. Crepes with cream cheese and mixed berries are also offered for breakfast.

Lunch items include sandwiches and soups. I tried the prosciutto ham sandwich, which was served on soft ciabatta bread and topped with pears and brie cheese. Arguably the most unique item on the menu, the sandwich was savory without any of the strong flavors overpowering each other. All sandwiches come with a house salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, cole slaw or chips. I opted for the house salad and took the advice of our waitress in ordering the garlic lemon dressing. The salad came with crisp romaine lettuce, red peppers, onions, grapes and walnuts. Though the menu claims that the salad also includes fresh baby spinach, I unfortunately did not detect any in my dish.

The garlicky lemon flavor of Boosters homemade dressing perfectly complemented the richness of the walnuts. While I wouldn’t say that the dressing was too strong, I should warn that there were visible pieces of garlic in it and the flavor did not escape me for a while.

It should also be noted that the house salad is the only salad actually available as an entree. However, there is a choice of four dressings, and salmon or a chicken breast can be added to the dish for an additional fee.

Five other sandwiches are offered at Boosters, including turkey, ham, beef au jus, barbequed pork and tuna salad. Though such options sound standard, Boosters manages to mix them up a bit. The beef au jus is slow-roasted with pepperoncini and served on ciabatta or whole wheat bread with horse radish sauce on the side. The tuna salad is made with eggs, grapes, water chestnuts, and lemon.

Boosters also offers two soups: carrot-ginger soup and vegetarian potato leek. My friend tried the carrot-ginger, which had a tangy, sweet, homemade flavor.

My friends and I were unable to try any of the caf‚s delicious-sounding desserts on our first visit, but I look forward to returning and trying out some of the tempting offerings. Selections include warm berry crepes, mixed berries with fresh cream or yogurt and the “Ebony and Ivory,” a chocolate cake layered with vanilla ice cream.

Though the menu at Boosters does not go on for pages and pages, this new little restaurant has a lot to offer in terms of flavor and ambience. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich but are sick of hitting up Bear’s Den and Bread Co., check out Boosters for some yummy food and a little hometown friendliness on the side.

Scott Bressler

Whether you’re still hurting from the cost of books, or you just don’t like spending money, don’t let your cost-conscious status keep you from traveling St. Louis. There are plenty of free activities in town that can provide a few hours or even an entire day of entertainment. Here are 14 great places to go around town that will give you a little history and a little fun for no money at all.

The Gateway Classic Walk of Fame

If you venture downtown, make sure to check out the Gateway Classic Walk of Fame. Located at the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, this walk honors the local and national achievements of African-Americans from the St. Louis area. Featured legends include Dick Gregory, Jackie-Joyner Kersee, NAACP leader Roy Wilkins, former Congressman William L. Clay, the 5th Dimensions, and many, many others that you’ll have to see for yourself. Take some time to stroll the Walk and celebrate the diversity of local heritage.

The Saint Louis Zoo

Yes, you’ve heard it before, everything in Forest Park is free, but the Saint Louis Zoo is one costless thing that you definitely can’t pass up. It is just a short walk from Wash. U. to a land of polar bears, elephants and much more, all located in the southwestern corner of Forest Park. With over 800 species from all over the world, this friendly place is an awesome spot to spend an afternoon. Make sure to stop by the penguin exhibit and take a ride on the carousel while you’re there.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Interested in contemporary art? Then you should check out this exciting outdoor art gallery in southwest St. Louis. One of the most famous sculpture parks in the country, the Laumeier features over 80 outdoor pieces, as well as related photography, drawing, glass, painting and ceramic pieces displayed in an indoor gallery. It is one of the most popular attractions in the St. Louis area and definitely worth the trip.

Anheuser-Busch Consumer Hospitality Center

If you’re visiting the Arch, make sure to stop at the nearby Anheuser-Busch Consumer Hospitality Center. This 100-acre brewery is the world headquarters for Anheuser-Busch and features many free tours and exhibits. Tours blend the history of the brew house with explanations of the modern technology that is used to make the company’s popular beers. And if you are 21 and older, you can also sample brews and shop for your favorites in the Anheuser-Busch gift shop.

Bellefontaine Cemetery

If you’re interested in a more ghoulish type of landmark, the Bellefontaine Cemetery might be perfect for you. Located north of St. Louis, the cemetery hosts some notable graves like those of explorer William Clark, Thomas Hart Benton, James Eads, Adolphus Busch and poet Sara Teasdale. You can find maps and guides the Bellefontaine’s graves and monuments at the cemetery office.

Old Cathedral

In the heart of downtown, not far from Busch Stadium, you will find St. Louis’s oldest church. Known informally as the “Old Cathedral,” the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, was completed in 1834 and still stands tall today. The basilica is now a national monument, and its museum showcases many precious religious artifacts. Come for a daily mass or just to appreciate the history.

Old Courthouse

To experience some real U.S. history right in your backyard, stop by the Old Courthouse and visit the site of the first two Dred Scott trials. Located near Jefferson Park in downtown St. Louis, this historic courthouse features tours and reenactments of the famous trial. There are also galleries displaying the history of St. Louis from its earliest French and Spanish roots. Put it all together, and it is a free piece of history you shouldn’t pass up.

St. Louis Walk of Fame

Make sure to watch where you’re walking next time you’re visiting The Loop, because you could be stepping on the names of St. Louis’s most famous natives. The St. Louis Walk of Fame, embedded in the Loop’s very own sidewalks, features 116 stars and informative plaques. Make sure to keep an eye out for big names like John Goodman, Chuck Berry, Bob Costas and Tina Turner.

Eads Bridge

The Eads Bridge, built in 1874, is a great place to take a stroll or even take a bike ride for a quick trip into Illinois. This unique bridge was the first to cross the Mississippi and the first to use steel truss construction. It is still accessible today, and can give you some great views of the St. Louis skyline.

Holocaust Museum & Learning Center

If you’re willing to make the drive, the Holocaust Museum in Westport is an amazing place to visit. This huge museum gives a chronological history of the Holocaust, intermixed with personal stories of survivors who came to St. Louis. Its multi-media exhibit includes a self-guided tour detailing everything from pre-war Jewish life to the major post-war events. There is even a Garden for Remembrance located outside the museum for personal contemplation.

National Great Rivers Museum

Learn all about the majestic Mississippi River at this free museum created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There is something for everyone here, whether or not engineering is your passion. You can learn how to steer a barge, discover the plant and animal life of the river, or explore the history of important people and places. Between the exhibits, theater presentations and tours, you will learn all about the history of the Mississippi as well as the modern systems of locks and dams that maintain the river’s flow.

St. Louis Union Station

Although you may think of Union Station as a great place to shop and eat, this converted train terminal also has an interesting history. Inactive since 1978, Union Station provides free guided tours examining the station and its history, which traces back to 1894.

Tower Grove Park

For a relaxing afternoon, visit the Victorian Tower Grove Park. Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw commissioned this downtown walking park in 1868. He filled it with statues and ornate pavilions, as well as over 8,000 plant species. Today it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as the home of many Frisbee and soccer games, picnickers and strollers who come to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

World Bird Sanctuary

Nestled in southwest St. Louis, you will find a lively 130-acre bird park known as the World Bird Sanctuary. The mission of this sanctuary is to preserve the biodiversity of many threatened bird species. Along with the eagles, owls, hawks and other species living here you will also find hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors. Ask any of the knowledgeable naturalists about the birds they are protecting or about the center’s leading role in bird species preservation.