Finding a balance between what’s good for the wallet and what’s good for the body can be a struggle for students on a tight budget.
Kevin Roberts, better known as “The Food Dude,” will be stopping by campus on Tuesday, Feb. 5 to help tackle that problem.
“Eating well without breaking the bank is a valuable skill that many college students simply do not have,” said co-president of Platform Personalities Mark Surrell. “Life is too short to live off Ramen for every meal.”
Roberts’ presentation, Surrell said, will focus on healthy eating habits and good dietary choices that are geared towards college students. In addition to sharing recipes and cooking techniques, Roberts will also discuss some of the science behind what goes into our bodies.
“[Roberts] will go over proper levels of fats and proteins and talk about cholesterol and carbohydrates,” Surrell said. “I think he’d say the trick to eating well is knowing what you’re eating and why your body needs it.
Surrell said Platform Personalities chose Roberts as a presenter because he is a knowledgeable, entertaining and charismatic speaker with a lot of experience in the field.
Roberts has written two cookbooks, works as the owner and executive chef of four sports bars in San Diego and also works as a radio and television personality. Roberts has appeared on “The Today Show,” “CBS’ Early Show” and TLC’s “BBQ Pitmasters.”
Roberts’ presentation will also feature prepared food for the audience, Surrell said.
“Part of the performance will be preparing food and showing how to make a few deliciously affordable dishes,” Surrell said. “Plenty of samples and prizes will be given out to those who attend, so come hungry.”
Roberts visited NMU in 2008 with the same message of proper nutrition, Surrell said, but will be returning with new recipies. Surrell encourages students to attend, even if they consider themselves culinary experts.
“[Students] could learn to be a better cook in the kitchen and a better-fed student in the classroom,” Surrel said.
For senior hospitality and restaurant management major Rory Shimp, who works as a chef at the Wild Rover in downtown Marquette, the road to finding that balance took some time.
“Working in a restaurant has definitely opened by eyes in terms of finding some good recipes that use simple and healthy ingredients that don’t cost a lot,” Shimp said. “But before that I pretty much went with what was less expensive, especially with ingredients. Students typically don’t have the money to spend on top-shelf food items or the time to make something themselves.”
With some practice and a little guidance, Shimp said, finding out what you like and what you can afford can lead to some creative dishes.
“My roommates and I like to bounce ideas back and forth, since most of us work at restaurants,” Shimp said. “It starts to get fun once you get the hang of it.”
The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Jamrich 102 and is free for students with an NMU ID. Tickets are $2 for the general public.
For more information about Roberts’ presentation, call Rachel Harris at (906) 227-6543.
