Tufts Blogs

Growing up with two vegetarian parents, meat was never a huge part of my diet. About five years ago, I decided to become fully vegetarian myself. When I came to Tufts, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to maintain, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of options available.

The dining halls make it pretty manageable. Carmichael and Dewick always have vegetarian-friendly dishes, whether it’s through the salad bar or rotating entrees. I try to build balanced meals with proteins like tofu, beans, or eggs, along with carbs and healthy fats. Some of my favorites have been crispy tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and Greek roasted potatoes. On busier days, I’ll grab something quick from Kindlevan or Hodgdon, and I also keep protein bars, crackers, and snacks in my dorm.

Taking NU0101 Human Nutrition also changed the way I think about food. Before the class, a lot of what I knew about nutrition came from social media, which can be confusing and contradictory. The course helped me better understand how to create a balanced diet and become more intentional about what I eat, especially as a vegetarian.

Being vegetarian also hasn’t stopped me from enjoying meals with friends. There are plenty of options on campus, and restaurants around Somerville and Boston make eating out easy too. Life Alive in Davis Square and Spring Shabu-Shabu in Brighton are two of my favorites.

Overall, being vegetarian at Tufts has been easier than I expected. Between the dining halls, campus spots, dorm snacks, and nearby restaurants, I’ve found a routine that works for me while still enjoying college life.