It’s reached that point of the semester. That time when sickness is going around to every dorm room. That time when all of your projects are due on the same day so you become a “dorm person” and never leave your room except for classes and the occasional meal. That time when you finished paying the last installment of your payment for the semester and you only have about $20 to your name and you still need to do laundry. I totally understand the struggle.
What you need right now is something healthy to eat. Something that will keep up your energy. Something quick and easy to make or grab when you’re running late. Something tasty, yet healthy to snack on while you pull an all-nighter. But it needs to be cheap or you can’t afford it. So I have compiled a list of 10 grocery items for the average poor college student to keep on hand to ensure they always have something good and healthy to eat.
1. Frozen fruit
I love frozen fruit because you can do so much with it. You can eat it frozen for a healthy dessert instead of ice cream (although ice cream is pretty tasty, too). Or you can make a smoothie for breakfast. You can add it to your yogurt to pack in your lunch to keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat it. And you can even let it thaw to room temperature before enjoying. Plus, there are so many varieties of bagged mixed fruit, you are sure to find a mix that you love. My favorite one I found at Walmart and it was a blend of strawberries, peaches, mangoes, and pineapples.
2. Apples and bananas
These are two classic foods that everyone should have on hand. Plus, they are usually inexpensive. Bananas are great to have on hand for adding to smoothies, too. These two fruits are perfect to take on the go because you don’t have to cut them up or store them in a bag or container.
3. Oatmeal packets
I never really liked eating oatmeal until I went to college. Breakfast at my school is always served too early for me so I like to have breakfast in my room when I have time. It’s so quick and easy to make the oatmeal. I generally get a variety pack of flavors so I don’t get tired of eating it.
4. Granola bars
Granola bars are one of my favorite things to eat for a quick breakfast on the go. There are so many varieties and plenty of different flavors and brands to chose from. And, they are portable, too. I toss a couple in my book back before heading to class and I eat devour them between classes.
5. Microwave popcorn
Sure, most microwave popcorn is really high in sodium, but you can find a box of low fat or low sodium popcorn. It’s great for sharing with friends for a room party, awesome for movie night, or good to just eat the whole bag yourself!
6. String cheese
Cheese sticks are just one of those foods that is perfect for college on so many levels. It’s rich in calcium, it’s quick and easy to get, and it’s portable, too.
7. Greek yogurt
This one is a little on the pricey side if you chose flavored yogurt, but plain or vanilla Greek yogurt is good all on it’s own. I usually add fruit and granola to mine for a nice refreshing breakfast or snack. Sometimes plain Greek yogurt can even be used as a healthy substitute for mayonnaise in some recipes.
8. Frozen vegetables
This one is a just as good as getting frozen fruits. You can get different blends for different meals. I like to get a blend of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots and I will sauté them as a side or steam them and toss them with some butter, seasonings, and pasta for a quick meal. Plus, they are bound to last longer since they’re frozen.
9. Ramen noodles
Now before you freak out at me saying that Ramen is not healthy, let me explain myself. Sure, I eat Ramen all the time and, honestly, I don’t get sick of it. But there are some ways to make Ramen into a healthy meal. Just ditch the flavor packet that is loaded with sodium and substitute it for your own spices. Sometimes I will use Ramen when I steam my mixed veggies. Or you can find your own recipes on Pinterest to make Ramen into a meal. And by the way, in case you didn’t know, Ramen is really cheap! Perfect for when you have a poor week.
10. Green tea
I don’t have to list all the health benefits of drinking green tea, but I just want to say that it is so good for you. I usually make mine with honey and lemon, but you can make yours however you want. Lipton has some really unique and great flavors of green tea available. And if you don’t necessarily like hot tea, you can even make it into iced tea.
What are some of your favorite “dorm foods”?
