Let’s be real, in college our diets are hectic and are not always as structured as they are at home. We don’t have our parents in our dorm to make us homemade dishes and we don’t always have time or the money to buy certain ingredients and organic snacks. Most college grocery lists consist of Ramen Noodles, Mac ‘n Cheese, cheap pizza, potato chips and chocolate chip cookies. These are all delicious, in moderation of course. But, there are some simple alternatives to these common college foods that are not as complicated or strange as they seem.
1. Ramen Noodle alternative: Zucchini Noodles
This alternative is not as complicated as it sounds. The zucchini itself can be transformed into noodles, which would take place of the Ramen. Of course, zucchini noodles by themselves are not appetizing, so it would be much tastier with the added spices such as garlic, black pepper and salt. Also, any other vegetables of choice can be added in there, such as onions, spinach, carrots, broccoli to make the combination delicious. Once combined and cooked together, it mimics Ramen Noodles and plus has more nutritional value.
2. Mac ‘n Cheese alternative: Cheese substitutions
This alternative is just simple ingredient changes and the avoidance of powdered cheese from microwavable mac n cheeses. Instead of using ‘Easy Mac’ or microwaveable mac n cheeses, the healthier alternative is to make pasta and add in cheese that are either lower in fat or calories. Also, baked mac n cheese is healthier than the microwavable or the stove top option.
3. Potato Chip alternative: Assorted Vegetable Chips and Pita Chips
As weird as this alternative may sound, zucchini chips, brussel sprout chips and butternut squash chips do exist. Whenever there is a night in your college dorm that is free and you and your friends are craving chips, make a fun night out of it and cut up some of these assorted vegetables, add some seasoning, and bake! Also, pita chips are very popular products in store and are a lot healthier and more nutritional than fried potato chips.
4. Pizza Alternative: Pita Pizza, Cauliflower Crust Pizza and English Muffin Pizza
Instead of ordering Domino’s or buying dining hall pizza, a quick ‘make your own pizza’ can be done in the dorm, in the same amount of time it takes to order and wait for a pizza. Pita bread is a great substitute for actual pizza dough with the addition of marinara sauce and cheese. Cauliflower crust is mostly pulsed cauliflower mixed with other healthy ingredients such as quinoa to give the texture of pizza crust. Though a little more complicated, once the crust is done the toppings are free to choose. Finally, English muffin pizza is basically pizza on an English muffin. They end up looking like mini pizzas that are perfect for a dorm setting!
5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Alternative: Oatmeal flour or flourless
Chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate essential to a college diet. Oatmeal flour is a great alternative to use instead of regular flour, as it also has nutritional benefits. There are also recipes that don’t call for flour, and taste just as good. Also, using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate is a healthier alternative as well.
Living in a dorm can make eating healthy difficult, but with these alternatives and many others, you can keep your body happy and healthy!