Through an odd set of events, I found myself having the opportunity to live in my college's dorms the last two terms of my freshman year. It was a great time, but I quickly learned that it was a lot harder to keep up with grocery shopping and eating. I mean, there were times where I would literally forget to eat because I would be too busy with schoolwork. I know, it is madness. So I have compiled a list of foods that are easy to store in dorm rooms, especially if all you have is a microwave and mini-fridge. (Luckily, the dorm I was staying in had a stove as well, but most dorms do not these days.)
Also want to add that these are things you should have besides the obvious fruits and veggies that you should be keeping in your dorm. I'm not including those on this list because they should be a given... eat healthy, kids :-)
Hummus
I know not everyone loves hummus, but it is definitely are handy to have stored in your fridge. These are perfect for on the go. Hummus is probably my favorite thing on this list, and it is so easy to snack on with carrots or pita chips in between classes! It's a much healthier option than eating just plain potato chips. You can also put hummus on sandwiches and in tortilla wraps. Overall, it's a great thing to have around in your fridge.
Yogurt (bonus if you add granola)
It's a bit funny that I am adding this, as I am lactose and gluten intolerant. But really, yogurt is obviously a generally healthy option, and it is a very quick breakfast that you can even take on the go if you are running late. Putting granola in can sort of add a little something and really fill you up more.
Oatmeal
I used to hate oatmeal as a child, but it is such a filling breakfast. And since it comes in a million flavors these days, it's usually pretty easy to find one you enjoy. This one is pretty self-explanatory.
Avocado
Okay, so I mentioned above that I wasn't really going to mention specific fruits or vegetables. But I'm a huge avocado fan, and it goes with so many things. It's good on burgers, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, etc. If you are one of the few with a stove top in your dorm or have access to use one, I highly recommend going the breakfast burrito route. Especially for those of you who are allergic to everything like me... corn tortilla + eggs + avocado = amazing.
Frozen burritos/taquitos
These are not the healthiest options on the planet, but they are quick and make simple meals. Throw one or two in the microwave and you'll definitely be full for a while. You can also go out and get pizza rolls, too. If we're already being unhealthy here.
Orange/sesame chicken (frozen aisle of grocery stores!)
My parents do this at home, and it's a pretty unhealthy meal. However, if you're not feeling like going out but still want a big meal, this is a good one. They have a variety of different meat and sauce options if you just look through the Asian section of the frozen food aisle. Grab one, a box of boil-in-a-bag rice, and if you want to be a bit healthier, throw in some veggies to the meal. This is mostly ideal for someone with access to a stove**
**Healthier option of above/microwave friendly option = boil-in-a-bag rice + "steamable veggies" (frozen aisle once again) Make the rice and then add some vegetables and maybe some soy sauce and you have yourself a mostly healthy meal, right? I ate this a lot on the weekends for lunches. Also good for those who are allergic to everything like me.
So these are all my food tips for the dorms. I wanted to leave out the obvious ones, like fresh fruits/vegetables, granola bars, cereal, coffee, etc. I should also add that it's a fun idea to keep a bowl of candy in your dorm room. You'll make friends fast.
And with that, I'm out. Have a nice weekend and good luck to the freshman moving in soon!
-H
Also want to add that these are things you should have besides the obvious fruits and veggies that you should be keeping in your dorm. I'm not including those on this list because they should be a given... eat healthy, kids :-)
Hummus
I know not everyone loves hummus, but it is definitely are handy to have stored in your fridge. These are perfect for on the go. Hummus is probably my favorite thing on this list, and it is so easy to snack on with carrots or pita chips in between classes! It's a much healthier option than eating just plain potato chips. You can also put hummus on sandwiches and in tortilla wraps. Overall, it's a great thing to have around in your fridge.
Yogurt (bonus if you add granola)
It's a bit funny that I am adding this, as I am lactose and gluten intolerant. But really, yogurt is obviously a generally healthy option, and it is a very quick breakfast that you can even take on the go if you are running late. Putting granola in can sort of add a little something and really fill you up more.
Oatmeal
I used to hate oatmeal as a child, but it is such a filling breakfast. And since it comes in a million flavors these days, it's usually pretty easy to find one you enjoy. This one is pretty self-explanatory.
Avocado
Okay, so I mentioned above that I wasn't really going to mention specific fruits or vegetables. But I'm a huge avocado fan, and it goes with so many things. It's good on burgers, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, etc. If you are one of the few with a stove top in your dorm or have access to use one, I highly recommend going the breakfast burrito route. Especially for those of you who are allergic to everything like me... corn tortilla + eggs + avocado = amazing.
Frozen burritos/taquitos
These are not the healthiest options on the planet, but they are quick and make simple meals. Throw one or two in the microwave and you'll definitely be full for a while. You can also go out and get pizza rolls, too. If we're already being unhealthy here.
Orange/sesame chicken (frozen aisle of grocery stores!)
My parents do this at home, and it's a pretty unhealthy meal. However, if you're not feeling like going out but still want a big meal, this is a good one. They have a variety of different meat and sauce options if you just look through the Asian section of the frozen food aisle. Grab one, a box of boil-in-a-bag rice, and if you want to be a bit healthier, throw in some veggies to the meal. This is mostly ideal for someone with access to a stove**
**Healthier option of above/microwave friendly option = boil-in-a-bag rice + "steamable veggies" (frozen aisle once again) Make the rice and then add some vegetables and maybe some soy sauce and you have yourself a mostly healthy meal, right? I ate this a lot on the weekends for lunches. Also good for those who are allergic to everything like me.
So these are all my food tips for the dorms. I wanted to leave out the obvious ones, like fresh fruits/vegetables, granola bars, cereal, coffee, etc. I should also add that it's a fun idea to keep a bowl of candy in your dorm room. You'll make friends fast.
And with that, I'm out. Have a nice weekend and good luck to the freshman moving in soon!
-H