In a time when being healthy is chic and health clubs are more exclusive than country clubs, it shouldn't really come as any suprise that laws are being specifically aimed at making people eat healthier foods.

New York City shocked the country when it voted to ban all trans fats from restaurants in the city last year.

And while Penn State isn't outlawing fried, heart-clogging food, it is doing its part to get rid of unhealthy fats.

Recently, Penn State decided to switch to a canola oil, an oil that has zero trans fats, when frying food in the dining commons. Trans fats occur naturally in small amounts in dairy and meat products.

But many foods made with hydrogenated oils -- margarine, frying oils, cakes -- container higher, more unhealthy amounts of the fat.

Students should be glad Penn State cares about the four years in which they are enrolled, and students' health 40 years from now as well.

Trans fat increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by clogging arteries, and is the most dangerous type of saturated fat.

While most college students believe they are infallible and heart disease is something for their dads and grandfathers to worry about, a lot of damage to the heart and its arteries are done in the younger years.

The change to canola oil should not affect the taste of the food served in the commons, but it will no doubt make it healthier.

The old adage "You are what you eat,"exists for a reason. Penn State's decision to fry with canola oil -- one of the healthiest frying oils there is -- will go a long way in helping students build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Penn State Execuative Chef for Food Services Bill Laychur said the canola oil will start to be used ones the current supply of oil in each dining area has been used up.

While changing the oil doesn't automatically mean eating fried foods is a healthy choice, it will be healthier than it was.

And maybe, with any luck, the dreaded "Freshman 15" will turn into the "Freshman 13.5."