Skip the midnight pizza run and try some of these healthy—and fast—dorm-friendly dishes.
You Will Need
Instant oatmeal; Non-fat yogurt; Peanut butter or other nut butters; Whole grain pita and tortilla; Eggs; A whole potato
Garnishes like nuts, fruit, maple syrup, granola, cheese, and sour cream
Whole-grain offerings like crackers, pasta, bread, bagels, and English muf
And deli meat or tuna
Steps
STEP 1 Eat oatmeal
Eat oatmeal. It's fast, healthy, filling, and affordable. Dress it up with a spoonful of jam, a sprinkling of nuts or dried fruit, a dollop of peanut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Instant oatmeal takes just a couple of minutes to make but can be packed with sugar, so look for plain varieties.
STEP 2 Eat non-fat yogurt
Reach for a non-fat yogurt. It’s full of protein and calcium, and it’s great with some banana, granola, raisins, or nuts. It’s also a smart dessert.
STEP 3 Eat nut butters
Know your nut butters. Peanut butter sets the standard, but there's also almond, cashew, and even soybean butter. Try a spoonful on apples,celery, whole-grain crackers, and even plain pasta.
STEP 4 Use whole grain pitas & tortillas
Use whole grain pita bread and tortillas for eating on the go. They're perfect for holding scrambled eggs, tuna salad, or cheese and lean deli meat.
STEP 5 Scramble eggs
Scramble some eggs. Crack them into a mug, beat in milk or water, and microwave for about a minute. Top with cheese, onions, and lean ham or chicken, and pair with a whole-grain bread, bagel, or English muffin.
STEP 6 Bake a potato
Bake a potato. Stab a potato with a fork and microwave it for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Carefully slice and top the hot potato with cheese, chicken, and sour cream.
Studies show that the average first-year college student gains about half a pound a week!