If you’re like me, you’ve been trying to avoid the dining hall as much as possible since the middle of fall semester. The bland pasta, tomato paste pizza, and endless amount of chicken sandwiches just doesn’t seem worth the trek. Therefore, here are my top ten go-tos, when it comes to makeshift meals in my dorm room.
1. Oatmeal
This one may not seem like the most appealing option, but it’s filling and it’s good for you, two things you need when it comes to our hectic schedules. If this isn’t enough of a breakfast for you, pair it with some fruit, like dried mango, Clementines or a banana. Check out the Trader Joe’s oatmeal cups for a quick, and simple option that you can easily take with you to your 8am.
2. PB & J
This one’s pretty basic. All you need is some bread, peanut butter, and a jelly of your choice and you’re set. No heat or refrigeration necessary. Plus, you get those healthy fats and protein from the peanut butter. Quick tip: make sure to stick with whole wheat bread and natural peanut butter to make it as good for your body as possible.
3. Cereal
Another pretty self explanatory one. This is another great breakfast option that takes very little time to put together. I recommend putting coconut milk in your cereal as a healthier alternative compared to normal dairy milk. (I’m lactose intolerant, so this has been a life saver for me)
4. Peelable Fruit
I know the phrasing is a little strange, but bear with me. I say this, because my main go-tos for fruit are bananas, and oranges since they’re super transportable, especially on those days when you’re running off to class/a club meeting/practice etc.
5. Popcorn
You may be thinking popcorn, how is that healthy? Now I’m not talking about the buttery, heavily-salted stuff they sell in huge buckets at movie theaters, instead try the many lightly-salted popcorns that are currently on the market right now. My personal favorite is SkinnyPop. It’s only 39 calories a cup, and it doesn’t leave me feeling sick afterwards.
6. V8
This one isn’t for everyone. I know for me as a child, I was an extremely picky eater, so my parent would do whatever they could to get me to consume any amount of vegetables. Therefore, V8 has been a constant in my life for a long time now. If you buy the bigger cans, it has two servings of vegetables in them, so if you too aren’t a big fan of the greens give these a try. Quick tip: if you want to be a little healthier than me, you can buy the low sodium kind, however I personally haven’t been able to get over the taste.
7. Smoothies
These take a little more prep, but there are definitely more filling than some the other snacks above. All you need is a blender, frozen fruit, a liquid of some kind whether it be juice/water etc, banana, and to give it more substance you can also add protein powder or something along those lines.
8. Granola Bars
I know some of you probably aren’t a big fan of these, but there are so many different types out there that I bet you can find at least one you like. Make sure to avoid those that are packed with sugar though, like the Quaker Oats Chewy Bars.
9. Pita Chips and Hummus
This is a great savory snack to substitute for the typical choices, like potato chips. Plus, you get the added benefits of the chickpeas in hummus, which can actually lower your cholesterol and help manage your waistline.
10. Leftovers
And last but not least, when you do treat yourself to dinners off-campus, take advantage of those huge portions and take anything remaining home!