Spring break is approaching, soon followed by the bikini, skimpy shorts and tank top season. Now it’s Monday, and you promised yourself it’s the start of a “new you”. The week is beginning fresh and after binge eating on the weekend you are ready to clean up your act and eat healthy. You walk into the dining hall and all that catches your attention is the wide array of pizzas, burgers, fries and of course… the froyo. You’re trying to watch what you’re eating and for some reason the stingy salad bar just isn’t cutting it. You end up leaving with a to-go tray full of lettuce, some interesting looking dressing and a big slice of pizza on top. So, you promise yourself the diet will start tomorrow and you’re going to make food on your own. However, with access to only a microwave and a refrigerator in your dorm, what’ a gal to do?
Here are a few recipes that you can use to make healthy meals inside your room, while avoiding the collection of taunting temptations that the dining commons has to offer:
1. Egg whites breakfast sandwich for any meal
The thought of egg whites in the microwave may initially make you cringe, but it is actually a healthy meal choice for any time of day! Just follow the easy steps below.
What you’ll need:
- Carton of egg whites
- Low-Fat or Non-Fat cheese slices
- Whole wheat English muffins or deli thins
What to do:
- Place desired amount of liquid egg whites into glass bowl with a spritz of no-stick spray.
- Microwave for 40 seconds, or until the egg is solid. Remove the “egg white patty” from the bowl and place between the bread you chose, along with one slice of cheese.
- Place the whole sandwich back into the microwave for 30 seconds in order to melt the cheese and heat up the muffin/bagel thin.
- Enjoy!
Calories: ~250
2. Potatoes
It is easy to forget how delicious and healthy potatoes are for you and you can make any potato in the microwave! Many stores sell the pre-wrapped potatoes (both sweet and regular) that you place in the microwave for 7 minutes, let cool and enjoy. Want to save a little money and use a regular, unwrapped potato? Here’s how:
What you’ll need:
- Potato of your choice
- Moist paper towel
- Butter of your choice
- Salt/Pepper
What to do:
- Wash the potato off in the sink
- Poke holes in the potato with a fork for ventilation
- Wrap the potato in the moist paper towel, place on plate and microwave for around 7 minutes. Remove the potato and poke with a knife to make sure that it is soft enough to eat throughout.
- Let sit for 5 minutes or until cool
- Cut potato in half and remove paper towel
- Garnish with butter or margarine and a dash of salt and pepper
- Enjoy your snack that will fill you up and keep you satisfied for a long time!
Calories: ~150-250 (depending on the size of the potato)
3. Yogurt Parfait
What you’ll need:
- 6 ounces of any flavored Chobani yogurt (one individual cup)
- Granola
- Fresh fruit
- A plastic cup (depending on the size of parfait you want)
What to do:
Scoop out one half of the Chobani for the base of the parfait into the bottom of the cup you chose. Add a layer of your fresh fruit, followed by the second half of the yogurt and sprinkle a layer of granola on top. Enjoy!
To take with you, put plastic wrap on the top and bring a spoon.
Other dorm-friendly meals that are easy to forget:
- Oatmeal
- Steamed vegetable bags
- Lean pockets
- Cereal and milk
So next time you feel like you are walking in circles around the dining hall and have no idea what to eat, whip up one of these nifty snacks instead.