If you’re anything like me, you enjoy good food. One of my biggest fears of coming to the U was that the food wouldn’t be up to my standards. The HC could be worse, but in my opinion it could also be a lot better. Here are 10 meals I made in my dorm room instead of eating at the HC.
To make the majority of these meals you’ll need to have a mini fridge, knife, spoon, fork, and a microwaveable bowl and plate. I also recommend this hot water heater. It seriously is the greatest invention ever and is only $10.
1) TOP RAMAN: Love it or hate it, I made a ton of Top Raman in my dorm days. During the winter, the last thing I wanted to do was leave my cozy dorm room and venture out to eat average HC food. All you have to do is fill your hot water heater with water, wait for it to boil (which takes about 2 minuets) and let the Raman cook for 3 minutes. Bonus: get a little carton of eggs and crack the egg in the boiling water. Mix it around a little and let it cook with the noodles – it adds protein and makes it taste a little better in my opinion.
2) INSTANT OATMEAL: The majority of my breakfasts were instant oatmeal. Just boil some water in that handy hot water heater and pour it in a bowl with the packet of oatmeal. Takes at most 2 minutes to make.
3)EASY MAC: Instant mac and cheese, like Top Raman not super healthy but damn delicious. Either use that amazing hot water heater again or follow the simple directions on the package. BONUS: buy the ones with the fun shapes, everyone knows they taste better.
4) PBJ CRACKERS: If you’re hungry for a filling snack I suggest slathering some peanut butter on one cracker and jelly on the other. Stick them together and you’ve got a mini sandwich that will curb your hunger. BONUS: to make it really healthy get whole wheat crackers and organic peanut butter and jelly.
5) CUCUMBER SALAD: I love cucumber salads! They’re super easy too make too. Simply get a cucumber from trader Joes or smiths and slice it up thinly with a knife. Grab some salt and pepper packets from the HC and put some salad dressing (my favorite is balsamic) in a little to go cup. You can store the dressing in your fridge for days and have a great little healthy salad for lunch or dinner.
6) PARFAIT: One of my favorite snacks is the nature valley bars, you know the ones that leave a trail of crumbs everywhere. Well, their crumbs help make great parfaits. Keep a little tub of yogurt in your fridge and then crumble up some of these bars on top. BONUS: if the HC has fresh berries out you can put them in a to go cup and keep them in your fridge. Pop some on that yogurt and you’ve got yourself a delicious treat.
7) SOUP: Get out that hot water heater again! Open up your soup, let it boil, and eat. Simple as that. BONUS: make sure to get the soup cans that you can peel back, then you wont need a can opener.
8)WRAPS: Wraps are super quick to make and you can easily carry them around in your backpack. Get a packet of tortillas, your favorite lunchmeat, and any type of spread you like (Hummus and guacamole always are a safe choice). Put them all together and you have a filling and healthy meal.
9) COOKIE IN A CUP: It’s always a great idea to have cookie dough in your fridge. You never know when you’ll have a tough day you’ll need the power of cookie dough to heal your broken soul. Simply put a few spoon-fulls of cookie dough to fill the bottom of a microwaveable mug. Pop it in the microwave and cook for 40-60 seconds. BONUS: pour some milk on top for that delicious milk and cookie combo.
10) COUSCOUS: I LOVE couscous! It’s healthy and so easy to make and is ready in 5 minuets. Boil some water in the heater. Once it’s boiling you pour the couscous and any flavor packet that comes with it. Turn the water heater off and keep it covered with the lid. Let sit for 5 minuets, then enjoy. BONUS: one box of couscous could keep you fed for a few meals!