Planning on trading in that bag of potato chips for a sack of oranges and a salad this year? Sounds good if the plan is a new diet for 2007, but the recent freezing temperatures in California may put a halt to many students' new year's resolutions.

Some experts are predicting that the freezing weather on the West Coast in the past week will cause the price of fruits and vegetables to skyrocket.

According to the Associated Press, nearly three-quarters of California's citrus crops have suffered from the cold, leaving them with the most damage. However, citrus crops weren't the only type affected. California's winter crops, such as avocados and fresh-cut flowers, are also taking a hit.

These freezing temperatures led Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency last Friday. The Associated Press also reported concern for prices of "tender vegetables," including lettuce, which is bad news for salad-lovers.

Dave Eldracher (graduate-health care administration) has taken on the challenge of losing 10 pounds in 2007. Along with going to the gym four to five times a week, Eldracher has been eating more vegetables, especially salads.

"If the price of a bag of salad went up a dollar, that wouldn't affect whether I would buy it or not," Eldracher said. "If the price went up by two dollars or more a bag, then I would probably stop buying it." However, he said he isn't concerned with a price increase for fruits.

Ashley Cooper (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) has resolved to have a healthier lifestyle. Cooper said she had obtained some unhealthy eating habits since beginning school at Penn State.

To make up for this habit, Cooper has been eating a lot more fruits and even referred to them as her "new best friends." After learning about a possible price hike, Cooper said she will still buy them, but she will be upset about it.

Some students aren't bothered by the threat of the price hikes and said they won't be altering their eating habits. Lauren Rusert (freshman-animal science), of California, said she doesn't mind the increase in produce cost. "Prices are already high in California, so it would be the same for me," Rusert said.

Unlike Rusert, Julie Wolf (freshman-advertising) won't be fronting the bill for increased fruit prices.

"If the fruit [prices were to] go up, I wouldn't buy them because college students can't afford it," Wolf said.

When looking for healthier alternatives, some students look for downtown locations such as Dee's Sandwiches, Soups and Salads, 234 E. College Ave., which has seen an increase in business since the New Year. "People are always looking for lighter foods," Thomas McKibbin, owner of Dee's, said. "They want more salads and low-fat, low-carb, whole products."

McKibbin said he isn't sure if his prices will be increasing because of recent events in California, but he suspects that they won't.

"I find that prices already fluctuate quite a bit. If this is like every other thing, it will come and go," McKibbin said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.