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Health & Nutrition

Our dining program makes it easy to eat well, so you can focus on everything else our campus has to offer.

Meet the Dietitian

College life can make eating well a challenge—between packed schedules, late nights, and long days on campus. Our registered dietitian shares practical tips to help students stay energized and focused.

  • Chiung Lien, RDN, LDN

    Chiung Lien is a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan with a deep passion for global cuisine, nutrition, and culinary arts. She holds an A.S. in Business Computer Programming, an A.S. in Culinary Arts with a Baking and Pastry certification and has attended the American Institution of Baking. Additionally, she earned a B.S. in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University, equipping her with a strong foundation in both the science of nutrition and the art of cooking. Guided by her Food is Fuel philosophy, Chiung believes that the meals we choose play a powerful role in supporting energy, health, and overall wellbeing.

    For the past seven years, Chiung has honed her dietetic and culinary skills on college campuses, where she has been dedicated to creating meaningful food experiences for students. She has played an integral role in supporting the Seminole Dining team’s Healthy for Life commitments, collaborating with campus partners to promote wellness through initiatives such as the annual employee health fair and student-focused Wellness Week events.

    Chiung’s enthusiasm for culinary arts and nutrition shines through in her work, as she continuously seeks opportunities to engage with students and share her expertise.

Contact our Dietitian!

Email: lien-chiung@aramark.com

How We Support You

Our team will work with you to navigate your options, ensuring you have access to meals that fit your needs. Follow these steps to get started:

  • Meet

    Contact our dining team to discuss your dietary needs, gather information on managing them, and learn about navigating campus dining. We will accommodate your individual needs and help you find safe food options on campus. lien-chiung@aramark.com

  • Support

    We can provide additional support after the initial meeting. This includes meeting the culinary team who can address any allergy-related questions and concerns. It’s an opportunity for us to thoroughly review available food options.

  • Monitor

    We continuously monitor our processes to ensure safety and care for individuals with food allergies. Throughout the year, the Dining Team is available to assist you. Feel free to contact us with any further questions or concerns.

Tools to Manage Your Nutrition

Take control of your health and wellness with these tools designed to help you make informed dining decisions.

  • Online Nutrition Information

    Easily navigate dining options and view nutrition information on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Look for nutrition icons that make it easy to find your choices, online or on-site.

  • Personalized Meal Calculator

    Plan your meals with confidence using our meal calculator. Track your nutrition or click on the heart to save your favorite menu items. Personalize your choices to fit your goals. 

  • Nutrition Insights & Advice

    Have questions about healthy eating and nutrition? Our chefs and dietitian share their expertise on-site and online to help make sure you have the information you need. 

  • Managing Food Allergies

    Your safety comes first. Ingredient information is available at each location, and our team is happy to answer questions or connect you with our registered dietitian for personalized support.

  • Avoiding Gluten?

    Many of our locations offer made without gluten options and clearly labeled menu items to help you make informed choices. Check location menus in advance or ask a team member for guidance when you arrive.

  • Plant-Based Dining

    Explore a variety of meals made without animal products across our dining halls and retail locations. Look for menu icons and check location menus in advance to plan your visit.

Recipes from Seminole Dining

Discover favorite recipes from Seminole Dining featuring flavorful meals and easy-to-follow instructions you can enjoy at home.

More Information

  • How to Manage Diabetes Tips on eating less carbs: When eating a meal, focus on finishing your veggies and fruits first. Followed by protein, then lastly carbs. Substitute carb-heavy foods with carb-free alternatives (ex. carb-free pasta or rice). Avoid excess drinking of sugary drinks, like fruit juice and soda. Incorporate high fiber foods to stay full longer. Fruits and veggies are a great source of fiber!. Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating! Carbohydrate Exchanges: Carb exchange is a method of counting carbohydrates in a diet and a great tool for those with diabetes. They are standardized so if a person is attempting to eat a certain amount of carbs in a meal or day, then they can easily “exchange” meals with the same number of carbs. This method of exchanging carbs counts 15g of carbs as one exchange. How to exchange carbs: When exchanging carbs, first assess the total carb exchange for the day. For example, 12 carb exchanges is standard with three exchanges at each meal and three snacks each worth a carb exchange Now time to decide what to eat! 1) Locate serving size, total carbs, and dietary fiber 2) If the food contains more than 5g of fiber, subtract the total carbs by half the amount of fiber. 3) Divide remaining total carbs by 15. This will be your carb exchange.

    How to Manage Diabetes

    Managing diabetes starts with understanding how carbohydrates affect your blood sugar. These tips and tools can help you make balanced choices, track carbs, and plan meals that support your health.

  • Healthy ON-THE-GO Snacks Here are some quick, Healthy, & Affordable, Snack ideas Apple with peanut butter Trail mix Crackers and cheese Hummus and pretzels Greek yogurt and fruit OR granola Turkey wrapped in pita bread Peanut butter on whole wheat toast Remember to always respond to your body’s cues. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Snacking is just as important as other meals for maximizing your nutrition and keeping your body energized. Get in touch with us! Chiung Lien RDN, LDN Nutrition Associate Manager Florida State University 850-755-6795 lien-chiung@aramark.com WHY IS SNACKING IMPORTANT? Snacks act as a bridge between meals and can prevent excessive hunger while helping with portion control and mindful food choices. Your body needs to be refueled every 3-4 hours in order to properly function. Without proper snacking, you’ll lose energy and feel sluggish, which means comprehension and memory is significantly reduced, making your hours of studying less efficient. HYDRATION: Hydrating throughout the day is vital for optimal mental and physical performance. To stay hydrated throughout the day you should 1.Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. 2.Always carry a water bottle. Build Your Own Trail mix: Key Ingredients to a balanced trail mix are nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate & popcorn. 3/4 c. raw nuts 1/2 c. raw seeds 1/2 c. dried bananas 1/2 c. m&m's 1/2 c. popcorn 1/4 tsp. sea salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon pinch of nutmeg Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Store it in a bag or mason jar. SNACKING MISCONCEPTIONS There is a widely held belief that nighttime snacking is bad and leads to weight gain. The truth is, your body is constantly burning calories, including during your sleep. For example, your brain and heart are always running, meaning they need food for fuel. If you feel hunger while you are up studying, then your body is low on fuel and needs a snack! Greek Yogurt Parfait: 4 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt 2 cups granola cereal 8 cups frozen mixed fruit* *You can use any fruit to your liking

    Healthy Snacks on the Go

    Healthy, on-the-go snacks can keep you energized, curb hunger, and support better focus throughout your day. Here are some simple ideas and tips to make smart choices anytime, anywhere.

  • STUDENT WELLNESS ROADMAP Balance Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Expecting to hit the mark everyday can be unrealistic when life gets complicated. Give 80% every day, and plan for days to take some liberties. Calorie Control Moderation Limit excess amounts of things that can negatively impact your health. Alcohol can be fun, but excess can lead to excessive calorie intake. 1 gram of alcohol = 7 calories Healthy Eating Ensure proper nutrition but eliminate monotony. Variety is the spice of life! Adequacy Get all the essential nutrients you need and replace what is lost on a daily or weekly basis BUILDING A BALANCEDPLATE PROTEIN 1/4 Step 1: Protein Make protein the star of the meal. This ensures you eat enough to restore what was broken down during activities. It also keeps you feeling full between meals. 20-30 grams per meal is ideal. FRUIT & NON -STARCHY VEGGIES 1/2 Step 2: Fruits & Veggies Veggies and fruits are a major source of vitamin C, B vitamins, & minerals. Fill half your plate. STARCHES FAT Step 3: All the Fixings Add starches such as grains & whole grains to provide a carb source. Nuts and avocados are excellent additions to provide healthy fats GET ACTIVE STAY HYDRATED Moderate Activity 30-60 min/day of moderate activity is essential for maintaining heart and lung health. Walking to class is an excellent way to meet this goal Drink Fluids Resistance Training 2-5 days/week of body weight exercises or weightlifting is essential for developing strong muscles and bones to support you throughout your life Drink 1mL of fluid per calorie. For example, 2,000 calorie diet = 2,000mL (67oz) of fluid. It's important to replace daily water loss to maintain a functioning body

    Student Wellness Roadmap

    This roadmap helps you stay healthy, energized, and balanced by focusing on nutrition, activity, and hydration—building habits that support your overall wellness.

  • Workout Nutrition General Tips and Meal Ideas for Before, During, and After Workouts Fitness is not a destination... Its a way of life! Benefits of regular physical activity include helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle and lower your chance of acquiring various diseases including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. These benefits can be obtained by exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Increased daily activity can be achieved by making minor changes throughout the day, such as walking or cyclin to your destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Importance of Workout Nutrition We want a balance of protein, high-quality carbohydrates, and healthy fats before and after exercise. Each macronutrient's amount will vary according to your demands and personal preferences. For maximum effectiveness, you should eat between one and three hours before and after a workout. Note: the total amount of protein and other nutrients ingested throughout the day is still more important than any particular nutrition timing. Pre Workout Before training, aim to consume a meal that contains Easy to Digest Carbohydrates Moderate Protein Low Fat During Workout Consuming Sodium and Potassium helps regulate muscle constriction, nerve function, and blood volume. Sources of sodium include salt and sports drinks. Sources of potassium include coconut water and bananas Choosing Your SPorts drink: Lemon-Lime Electrolyte Drink Recipe INGREDIENTS 1/4c fresh lemon juice 1/4c fresh lime juice 2c coconut water 1/8 tsp salt 1 tbsp honey or cane sugar DIRECTIONS Pour all ingredients into a blender. Blend until honey/ sugar is dissolved. Serve cold. Post workout: After training, aim to consume a meal containing High protein (meats, eggs, beans, nuts) Complex carbohydrate (sweet potatoes) Moderate Fats (avocado)

    Workout Nutrition

    Proper nutrition before, during, and after workouts helps boost performance, support recovery, and keep you energized.

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