University of Maryland Health Center

05/13/2026

The Peer Nutrition Coaches had an amazing year! Stay tuned for new coaches starting Fall semester with new fall hours ❤️💛

05/12/2026

Did you know that the average person throws away approximately 40% of their food?🌱🌎

Sustainability does not have to be complicated. Small changes in your daily routine can significantly reduce food waste and help our planet.♻️🍎

Want personalized coaching? Book an appointment at [email protected] or call (301) 315-5664
For more information visit health.umd.edu/nutrition🥑

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An energetic short video showcasing 6 practical ways to reduce food waste and eat more sustainably.

05/06/2026

Every day presents different situations and choices. For support in working towards your nutrition goals while also navigating life’s twists and turns, reach out to
[email protected] to schedule a free appointment with a Peer Nutrition Coach. 🫐🧀🫘

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Choose your own adventure: nutrition and lifestyle edition!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed working on an assignment:
🍓Take a break to stroll in nature, grab a snack, or spend time with friends
Or if you have been struggling to get started with an assignment:
🌽Break the work into smaller pieces, and start chipping away!
If you want to feel stronger or need to release pent up energy:
🥞Enjoy a workout or stretch break
If your body is tired, sick, or needs a rest:
🥑Enjoy a rest day!
If you’re in the mood for a savory burger:
🍔Enjoy a burger!
If your diet is lacking in micronutrients and fiber and you’re craving something crunchy and
fresh:
🍌Enjoy some crunchy produce!
Different days and different situations might mean choosing a slightly different adventure to best
serve you!

03/31/2026

With the rise of the clean eating movement, many people have become wary of processed foods because of how “unhealthy” they are. However, many of the foods that we deem to be “healthy,” such as yogurt, whole wheat bread, and frozen fruit, are technically processed foods. 🍓🥪🥛

A food’s processing level does not directly correlate with its nutrient profile or “healthfulness.” While its benefits are not often discussed, processing can help increase longevity, make foods more accessible, and add nutrients through fortification (ex. Iron-fortified cereals). 🥣

Processed foods are not inherently “bad,” and can be part of a healthful balanced diet. ⚖️ Want to learn how? Schedule a FREE peer nutrition coaching session at UHC! 📆

Email [email protected] or call 301-314-5664. For more information, visit health.umd.edu/nutrition.

Thanks to our Peer Nutrition Coach for this reel! 🩷

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Alt Text:
Video starts with text that reads “I could NEVER eat processed foods. They’re SO bad for you.” This is followed by reaction pictures with confused faces and pictures of processed foods that are considered “healthy” by many people. The next slides read “Time out. Processed foods are not inherently bad and can be part of a healthful balanced diet. Want to learn more? Schedule a free Peer Nutrition Coaching Session at UHC today! Email [email protected] or call 301-314-5664. For more information, visit health.umd.edu/nutrition.

03/27/2026

Here are some tips for a purrrfect night’s sleep, courtesy of one of our Peer Nutrition Coaches! 🐱💤

Transcript:
6 Tips for Better Sleep (from a UHC Peer Nutrition Coach)
😴Create a consistent bedtime routine. Developing regular evening habits will signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
😴Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day. This strengthens your body’s circadian rhythm and encourages the steady release of sleep hormones.
😴Have a cup of herbal tea before bed. The ritual of brewing tea can induce relaxation, and many teas contain natural sedatives that increase drowsiness.
😴Take some deep breaths. This triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, putting your body in a relaxed state. Listening to music or meditating can have the same effect.
😴Avoid caffeine or alcohol within 4 hours of bedtime. Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and decrease restorative REM sleep.
😴Don’t go to bed hungry. Going to bed on an empty stomach can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night from hunger.

03/24/2026

Learn more about the differences between the vegetarian and vegan diets, their benefits, common plant based protein options, and more!

For nutritional guidance and information on how to navigate a vegan or vegetarian diet, email [email protected] to schedule a free appointment with a Peer Nutrition Coach.

🥦🍓🌽🫜🍒

Transcript:
Are you considering going vegan or vegetarian? Learn more today!
What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian diets?
Vegan diets exclude all animal products like meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and honey.
Vegetarian diets exclude meat and fish, but still include dairy and eggs.
What are some benefits of a vegan diet?
Plant based diets can…
-Improve cardiovascular health
-Be more environmentally friendly
-Be higher in fiber and lower in saturated fats
-Be affordable and accessible
Can I get enough protein?
There are many plant based foods that are high in protein!
Some examples include: lentils, beans, edamame, tempeh, and tofu.
Tip: pair an incomplete protein source like beans or lentils with a grain or nut to ensure you are getting all 9 essential amino acids. A great way to do this is by eating all give food groups throughout the day.
Do I need to take a supplement on a plant-based diet?
If you are consuming a variety of food groups and eating consistently, supplementation
may not be necessary.
Foods such as nondairy milks, breads, and cereals are supplemented with vitamin B12
and other vitamins that may be lacking in a vegan diet.
A multivitamin will cover most vitamin B12 needs.
Always speak with your doctor before adding any supplements!

01/28/2026

Weds. Jan. 28 - The UHC will open from 11 am -3 pm for acute/urgent care and pharmacy services only. PASS telehealth services will continue as scheduled. For emergencies call 911 or 301-405-3333 (UMPD). Please continue to check our website for updates this week and keep yourselves warm!

01/28/2026

Due to weather conditions and the campus closure, the free STI testing event scheduled for today at the Health Center has been canceled. Please join us at our next event on February 25th from 1pm-3pm. Stay safe, Terps!

01/27/2026

The Health Center will be closed today. Limited telemed appointments will continue as scheduled. Inclement weather updates for this week will be posted on our website. Please visit https://health.umd.edu

12/08/2025