Let’s face it: eating healthy in college is nearly impossible. With the all-you-can-eat buffets at the dining halls, restaurants that line Marshall Street and various cafes around campus, it’s easy to see how the “Freshman 15” is a very likely possibility. The excessive eating doesn’t stop when students return to their dorms, which are often stocked with foods that are good for the budget but bad for the body. However, eating well at college doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are some ideas of healthy foods to keep in your dorm room:
1. Get creative and make your own trail mix! For example, a combination of nuts, dried fruits, pretzels and cereal will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Discover your own favorite combination and keep a container of it in your dorm room. This is also perfect for the inevitable late-night munchies!
2. An obvious way to get your nutrition is by keeping some fresh fruits and vegetables in your room. Dipping your apples, bananas or other fruits in natural peanut butter or almond butter is a simple yet healthy way to add flavor and protein. Hummus and ranch are tasty on most vegetables.
3. Yogurt is perfect to have as a snack or for breakfast, since it contains calcium, protein and few calories. Greek yogurt is even healthier because one serving contains twice as much protein and half as much sugar as regular yogurt, according to ww.health.usnews.com. If you’re eating yogurt for breakfast, try mixing in some granola, fruit or honey.
4. Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium as well. String and cottage cheeses are effortless to keep in a refrigerator, while spreads or wedges make hearty snacks when eaten with whole wheat crackers
5. For those who always crave something salty, popcorn is a healthier alternative to potato chips or other processed junk food. The best option would be popcorn with little or no butter. Be conscience of how much you’re eating, though, since it’s extremely easy to over-indulge in this snack.
6. Starting your day with a big, warm bowl of oatmeal has an endless number of benefits. According to www.naturalhomeandgarden.com, oatmeal lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood sugar, lowers the risk of diabetes and contains special antioxidants for heart protection. This traditional breakfast food is also refreshing as a snack on a cold winter day.
7. Sometimes everyone deserves to indulge in a little chocolate. According to fitday.com, dark chocolate can actually be beneficial because it contains antioxidants, can help lower your blood pressure and aids in controlling blood sugar levels. In addition, this treat contains several necessary vitamins and minerals like potassium and iron.