Dorm Room Eating 101

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Dorm Room Eating 101
Have kids who are headed off to college for the first time?  Looking for ideas for that first care package from mom?  Suzy found some helpful tips for making sure they get the nutrition they need while away from home.  

By Natalie Menza, Corporate Dietitian

Parents - wondering how to encourage your college-bound teenagers to eat well in the midst of long study sessions, late nights and early classes?  Just give them this Dorm Room Eating 101 guide,  It offers healthy snacks that are easy to store in tiny dorm rooms and even easier to prepare.

Make the most of your room's fridge.  By purchasing pre-packaged healthy foods, you'll maximize the space you have without sacrificing nutrition.

Here are some great ideas for a healthy stocked dorm room fridge:

No sugar added mini applesauce cups
Low-fat cottage cheese
Low-fat yogurt
Low-fat cheese sticks
Veggies with low-fat dip
Fresh fruit
Low-sugar jelly
Low-fat or fat-free milk

For pantry items, simply clean out a plastic container, normally used for storage.  An under-the-bed box or any lidded storage tote works best.  Label the container and be sure to keep food tightly wrapped to prevent any unwanted pests.

Here are some great ideas for a healthy stocked dorm room pantry:

Whole-grain cereal
Microwavable 94% fat-free popcorn
Baked tortilla chips
Whole-grain crackers
Low-sodium microwavable soups
Chunk light canned tuna, packed in water
No sugar added raisins or dried fruit
Low-fat granola bars
Peanut or almond butter
Canned fruit packed in its own juices
Whole-grain bread (can also be stored in fridge for a longer shelf life)

Remember, a balanced healthy diet of 5-6 small meals a day can be a better energy boost than a cup of coffee.  Follow these simple steps and you'll earn an A in Dorm Room Eating 101.
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updated 2 years ago