Intro, thesis, outline

How many students enter college in September and return home for winter break carrying a little extra weight? Commonly referred to as the freshmen fifteen, this initial weight gain is often an expected and accepted characteristic of college life. People simply brush it off and attribute weight gain to increased drinking, stress, and snacking. While these factors may all have some effect on weight gain, the food served in the dining halls also has an effect. Initially, students may walk into the dining halls and be in a food heaven. There are often different stations of food, and one swipe entitles a student to all he or she can eat. However, after a few months, one begins to realize how unhealthy the cafeteria food is, and in reality how little variety there is. The markets too lack variety and nutrition in the products sold.

College food is both easily accessible and tasteful, but it is also full of preservatives. This alters both the taste, and nutritional value of the food. The salad bar seems to be free of preservatives, and but even those ingredients lack in nutrition. In the markets most of the food is packaged or frozen, and is full of preservatives to extend shelf life. In addition to the quality of the food, there is little variety in the options offered. There may be many stations in the dining halls, but they often serve the same thing over and over again. Therefore, college students deserve not only a broader range of options, but overall healthier food as well.

Outline

I. Introduction

II. Thesis Paragraph

III. Forecasting and explanation of terms

IV. Dining Halls

            A. Lack of nutrition

                        1. Organic

                        2. Preservatives/sodium content

                        3. Calories

            B. Lack of options

                        1. How often is a different meal served?

                        2. Which stations change the food offered daily?

V. Markets

            A. Frozen foods

            B. Packaged foods

VI. Effects

            A. Short term

                        1. Weight gain

                        2. Amount of energy

            B. Long term

                        1. Heart problems

                        2. Health issues

VII. Present Opposing Points

            A. Exercise

            B. Portion sizes

            C. Cost

VIII. Refute and Concede

VIII. Conclusion