Making Healthy Food Choices In The Dorms

My go to meal in my dorm always includes instant ramen but that never leaves me feeling good about myself. Here are some tips and recipes to make better choices, even when you are limited to your dorm!

VEGGIES

Eating vegetables is probably my biggest obstacle. I’m not a big fan of canned or frozen veggies, but sprucing them up in the dorm and finding ways to incorporate them into your meals isn’t impossible.

Frozen Veggies: You can cook frozen veggies in your microwave! Add a little water to your bowl to steam them or toss them in a bowl with some spices! My biggest tip with frozen veggies is buying small containers of spices to sprinkle over them. They are quick and easy to store in a dorm room!

Canned Veggies: For canned vegetables, empty them out into a bowl, rinse them and drain any water/juice and add them to your ramen! Corn is very popular in ramen, so adding that to the bowl with the provided seasoning will not only spice up your ramen but will make it a little healthier too!

dining halls are gross – What can i do for my meals?

You know the days the dining hall is serving dry chicken with questionable vegetables and you decide to eat in your dorm instead? Here are two recipes that are my go-to when this happens!

Chicken, Rice & Veggies: Microwavable rice is your best friend. Whether you choose plain rice or flavored rice, pair it with some pre-cooked chicken bites (Costco sells big packs of these). Combining this with the vegetable tips from above makes a great meal that’s yummy and quick!

Quesadillas: This recipe can be switched up to your preference, but here is how I make mine! Take a tortilla, add some shredded cheese, cooked chicken bites, guacamole (because who has whole avocados in their dorm?), canned diced tomatoes and canned diced chilies, or an other vegetables you have on hand. Pop that into the microwave to melt the cheese, and you have a tasty and healthy quesadilla. Add some rice or lettuce, roll it up instead of folding it and you just made a healthy wrap!

I don’t have the time or energy to make meals in my dorm…

I totally understand that not everyone has time or energy to make food, especially in college. Here are a couple of questions I ask myself when eating out, so I can make better choices!

1. Is this gluten free? I personally have noticed that eating gluten free makes me feel better about myself and I usually do not feel as bloated and gross after my meal!
2. Is there a veggie in this? I would love to eat mac and cheese from Panera everyday, but making choices that simply include vegetables is better and healthier. Choosing the broccoli mac and cheese or one of the soups instead could be a great alternative!
3. What choices did I make this week? If you know you made better and healthier choices throughout the week, you should know that it’s okay to treat yourself! Don’t try to feel guilty about wanting to choose a burger over a salad. Nourishing your body is the most important part in your journey in making healthier choices!