It’s difficult to eat healthy while you’re away at school with unlimited dining hall swipes and your friends talking you into Domino’s every weekend. However, this list of dorm room food essentials should keep you on track, even if Saturday night calls for a Coach Jim Cal-zone.
Produce
A healthy diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables and if you have a fridge, it’s that much easier to eat them every day. Some staples include grapes, in-season berries, carrot sticks and celery sticks. However, there are plenty that don’t require refrigeration. These include apples, bananas, clementines and dried fruit like craisins or banana chips.
Protein
Of course, lean deli meat is always a great idea. Another option is canned tuna or salmon, which stays fresh almost forever. But if you don’t eat meat, you can incorporate some of my favorites such as cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and peanut butter. Low-fat dairy is also a good thing to have. I like greek yogurt and cheese sticks/string cheese/babybel rounds.
Freezer
I absolutely love veggie burgers! They’re delicious and all you have to do is microwave and enjoy. Also, for when you’re craving something sweet, low-sugar, all natural popsicles are a great essential for the freezer.
Miscellaneous
Hummus is delicious and can go on just about anything including Triscuits, bagel thins, pretzels, you name it! Salsa is also low-cal and great with tortilla chips. Also, instead of the dorm staple ramen, try low-sodium canned soups. You should always be stocked in a healthy cereal (cheerios, special K, raisin bran), protein/granola bars, instant oatmeal, and popcorn. And for a treat, dark chocolate is ususally the way to go.