As a sophomore, I realized I made a lot of unhealthy choices my freshman year. I kept TONS of junk food in the room. But, what can I say? I have a huge sweet tooth! This year, I made a pact with my roommate to at least TRY to keep some healthy, yet yummy, food in the room. I’ll admit, we’ve had some slip ups and snuck down to the food court for some late night ice cream… but everything is fine in moderation. I’m going to share with you some of the best (and worst) snacks to keep in your dorm room!
1- Pick It!
Kellogg’s Special K Sea Salt Cracker Chips
I know we all love potato chips, but lets’ face it, you can’t eat just one! Having “a few” eventually turns into half the bag. However, I found a tasty solution to curb your potato chip cravings! Cracker chips are a salty snack with only 110 calories for every 30 chips, and they taste delicious!
Skip It!
Lays Potato Chips
Although they’re delicious, potato chips contain a lot of sodium, which will leave you feeling bloated. There is 160 calories in only 15 potato chips! You can have double the amount of cracker chips and for fewer calories!
2- Pick It!
Light Yogurt (Flavor of your choice)
Buying the Great Value (Wal-Mart brand) Light Nonfat yogurt is only 80 calories! A cheap and easy way to get your dairy fix! My roommate likes to freeze them and make frozen yogurt. It’s like ice cream but half the calories!
Skip It!
Ice Cream
One scoop of your favorite boys, Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream adds up to 240 calories. Let’s face it; I’m sure most of us could eat A LOT more than one scoop! Ditch the ice cream for a frozen yogurt!
3- Pick It!
Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters
I am a complete chocoholic, so giving up chocolate just is not an option for me. It wasn’t until I came across these little pieces of heaven that I realized I do not need to indulge in a full size Milk Way every week! These little clusters are made up of crunchy rice (like Crunch bars), caramel, and chocolate! Super delicious! One packet only has 120 calories, so no more feeling guilty about eating chocolate.
Skip It!
Candy Bars
With most of us having the convenience of heading downstairs to the vending machines, it is so tempting to grab a candy bar late at night. Candy bars just contain tons of sugar and calories, and they do NOT curb your appetite.
4- Pick It!
Oatmeal
I know what you’re thinking… who the HECK eats oatmeal?! I know I know, I used to hate oatmeal. This year I decided to give it another try, and I encourage you do too! Not only is oatmeal good for you, but it really does taste delicious, (my favorite is brown sugar!) Oatmeal also keeps you full, so you won’t be craving those in between sugary snacks like you usually do.
Skip It!
Sugary Cereals
While Reese’s Puffs and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are absolutely delicious, they pack tons of added calories that you don’t realize. Sugary cereals also do not satisfy your hunger at all, which will make you hungrier than you would be if you had a bowl of oatmeal.
5- Pick It!
String Cheese (Light)
String cheese is another thing my roommate has introduced me to this year. I mean, I’ve had them before but it wasn’t until this year that I really got hooked! One string cheese is only 70 calories and it tastes delicious! I’ve also learned that eating a string cheese when you’re craving sweets makes those cravings go away, pretty cool huh!
Skip It!
Snack Cakes
Although Zebra Cakes may seem like a good snack to grab on the go… but you’re wrong. One cake contains 160 calories, (2 cakes come in a pack.) Talk about empty calories!
Well there you have it HC readers, top 5 snacks to keep in your dorm room & 5 to toss in the trash! Remember, you can snack the healthy way and still eat foods that taste good!