Given its myriad of food vendors, the Taste of CU often lends itself to over-indulgence. To try everything offered would leave anyone 20 pounds heavier or at least horribly uncomfortable for the rest of the evening. However, there are some simple ways to eat healthy while still enjoying the variety of the Taste.

1. Opt to drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sodas or sugary drinks like lemon shake-ups, sweet tea or slushies. The calories in these drinks can top 300 in just one 16-ounce serving. Save those calories for a dessert you want to try or an extra egg roll instead of idly consuming them in beverages. Plus, the excessive sugar in these drinks may upset your stomach or make you feel full, keeping you from enjoying the Taste’s delicious food.

2. Don’t be fooled by fried vegetables. The added breading and grease increases their calorie and fat content. Furthermore, most of their nutritional benefits are lost when cooked at the high temperature of a deep fryer. Choose corn on the cob or steamed veggie spring rolls instead.

3. Go for protein over carbs. Watch out, though: A lot of high-protein foods are often fried, so keep an eye out for grilled or steamed options. Instead of fried chicken, cheeseburgers or pizza, try an Italian beef sandwich, pulled pork, turkey legs or chicken satay.

4. Don’t order similar things from different vendors. If you already had a crab rangoon from Siam Terrace, don’t get another one at the Peking Garden stand. There are so many options at the Taste that there is no reason to consume extra calories by eating various versions of the same dish. Additionally, variety is more satiating, so the more diverse things you try, the more satisfied you will feel.

5. If you absolutely have to have one of everything, split it with a friend. Not only does sharing each dish slash the calories in half, it saves money since you can split the cost of the tickets.

6. Last but not least, ride your bike to the Taste. On top of burning calories on the way to and from the event, the Champaign Park District will also give you a free drink ticket to be used at any of the Pepsi tents as a thank you for being green.