Kimberly Wong is a senior majoring in nutritional science and a former cook at Zola's New World Bistro, 324 W. College Ave. She said she an avid health food eater whose favorite food is mac 'n' cheese.

Q:When did you first become interested in healthy eating?

A:I would say after freshman year because freshman year is that year when we all go crazy with the calories.

Q:What do you like to cook when you have the time?

A:I like making one dish that covers all of your needs, so I'll do, like, a giant wheatberry salad or wild rice pilaf. It's something really easy that I can put together on the weekends. I usually cook in bulk, and it lasts for a week. It doesn't leave a lot of room for variety, but at least I have something to eat.

Q:Do you think it is easy to find healthy food options at Penn State?

A:I think you can definitely get salads on campus and off, and you can get a lot of sandwiches. I think you can buy a lot of stuff at McLanahan's and the farmer's market downtown to make yourself food. You can go to Wegman's if you have a car. You have a lot of access if you know what to look for.

Q:Do you have any tips for healthy eating on the go?

A:I would say watch your portion sizes. If you see on a plate what you're eating, you're going to eat less. If you want a quick healthy boost, I like going with a nut and dry fruit mix. Dried fruit, with all the sugars, gives you an immediate energy boost, and the nuts are fatty but high in healthy fats. That will help you feel fuller and give you a longer lasting energy.

Q:What do you grab for a quick, on-the-go meal?

A:I always grab pizza. It's got everything you need; you have meat, veggies, protein from the cheese. I blot it with napkins because you can blot off a significant amount of calories that way.

Q:Are you a big late-night eater?

A:I'm not. I used to be, but now I'm not really hungry at night. I eat a big dinner so I'm full for the night. If you stay up until three or four in the morning, you need a snack because you need energy. But I usually stay up until 1, so I'm not that hungry.

Q:What is your view on fad diets?

A:I think fad diets are called fad diets because they come and go. None of them ever stick as well as having a healthy lifestyle. Cutting out any food group is just not good for you because you do need it; it gives you energy and does a lot of things for you. I have known some people who have done fad diets and lost weight, but it always comes back. It's too hard to resist pasta or something.

Q:What's your favorite guilty pleasure, and how often do you splurge?

A:Anything that's baked -- baked goods. Fridays are my 'baked goods day.' Fridays are my splurge day. I don't drink a lot anymore; on Fridays I'll just eat a lot of desserts. I treat myself a lot -- probably more than most nutritionists do, but I'm young. I can still run.

Q:Do you ever create healthy versions of baked goods?

A:I make healthy muffins. I try to cut fat out when I can, or I'll do fat substitutes like fruit purees.

--Compiled by Collegian Staff Writer Beth Kaiserman