Resources

There are a number of resources available on campus and online to help you make nutritious choices. Listed below are resources available at Columbia University, ways to analyze your diet online, general nutrition information from larger national institutes, and International Dietary Guidelines.

Columbia Resources

Analyze Your Diet

The American Dietetic Association and American Heart Association recommend a diet low in fat, high in complex carbohydrates, and moderate in protein.  You should be eating 30% or less of your calories from fat, 50-60% from complex carbohydrates, and 15-20% from protein. Below are some web sites that can help you determine your calorie needs as well as analyze your diet:

General Information 

  • The Mayo Clinic
    A reliable source for basic health and nutrition information. Check out the "Food & Nutrition" section and "Healthy Recipes".
  • International Food Information Council
    Funded by a broad base of food, beverage and agricultural industries, IFIC provides fact-sheets, Q&A's, reviews, and brochures for consumers. Check out their bi-monthly newsletter, Food Insight.
  • American Dietetic Association
    The largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, the ADA's main site offers consumers information on government policy, daily food habits, and dietetics as a career.
  • American Institute for Cancer Research
    Focuses on fostering diet and nutrition research and educating the public. Under "Information Services" or "Press Corner", you can submit questions to their RD, browse recipes, read weekly columns or scan their quarterly newsletter.
  • American Society for Nutrition Education
    A premier research society dedicated to improving the quality of life through the science of nutrition.
  • Vegetarian Resource Group
    A highly-rated and reliable resource for anyone interested in vegetarian or vegan diets, with nutrition info, recipes, an online restaurant guide and an e-mail newsletter.

International Dietary Guidelines