It’s not easy upholding a plant-based diet in an establishment designed by people who can reconfigure ground beef into 1,000 dishes. It’s easy to find yourself eating the same things over and over, and relying heavily on high calorie foods like peanut butter and protein bars. Not all food halls are created equal, and not many are places made to accommodate a vegan diet.

Amongst the various stations in the food hall that feature different entrees daily, there comes a reoccurrence of finding myself at the salad bar. Although vegetables are usually in the home-cooked station accompanied by carved turkey and potatoes, they are commonly found swimming in cheese. Splendid.

Here, at Oakland University, we have not only a food hall but also a food court with "nutritious" options such as Chick-Fil-A and Panda Express. And what else? A salad bar.

Non-perishables are the new staple in my bottom desk drawer. Canned soups, protein bars and peanut butter are all main food groups; especially at night when ten o’clock rolls around. In fact, this is where the bulk of my diet is stored. Some of my new favorite foods are apples, KIND Bars, Amy's Soup, and Oreos.

Stressed? Oreos. Bad test? Oreos. Sweet tooth? Oreos. Bored?

Oreos.

Who knew milk’s favorite cookie is made without milk? This is my favorite discovery.