One of the main problems that people run into when transitioning into college life is to refrain from gaining the dreaded “freshman fifteen.” While it might be difficult to eat healthily, once you get the momentum going about better choices and how you can obtain healthier food, you will be overwhelmed no longer!

1. Research your school’s options
If you live on campus, chances are that your university requires you to purchase a meal plan.  This may or may not be a baad thing.

Many colleges across the country are equipping their schools with much higher quality and nutritionally-dense food. For example, Penn State at University Park has introduced many different eating options to fit the needs of the students.  While there are many cliche college options including fast food, pizzas-a-plenty, and fried foods galore, there are also many places that specialize in vegetarian, vegan, and/or organic cuisine. 

If your meal plan is required regardless, be wise about your decisions. Take a large messenger bag with you to the cafe. Maybe even some Tupperware containers. Stock up on veggies, fill your bag with fruit from the basket. Take them to your dorm room and rejoice.  This isn’t stealing. You’re paying for it.

If you aren’t required to have a meal plan, this could be a great advantage to you. Most meal plans cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Well, let’s just say, it is totally doable and will probably save you more money to grocery shop yourself than rely on the food from your school. Think about it, $2000 (average)/4 months/4 weeks per month = $125.00 a week. That’s definitely more than enough for a college student, and you won’t be relying on Ramen the entire time!

2. Stock up on items that won’t go bad easily
If you have the luxury of a mini fridge, frozen fruit and vegetables can do magical things. You can blend either in a smoothie. You can cook them in the microwave. I mean seriously, there’s no reason not to have frozen vegetables. They’re picked at the height of their season,  cheap, and versatile.

If you like them, drink non-dairy milk products. Though it has taken me a few tries, I’ve finally developed a liking for Almond Milk. You can buy them shelf-stable, so you can always have them on hand, fridge or no fridge. They last forever.

Buy bulk nuts to snack on, and store them in the fridge. I’ve deafeated many cravings by nomming on nuts (lol). I like almonds and pistachios. They’re slightly expensive, but they’re delicious and nutritious. Nut butters are also pretty tasty and last a while in the fridge.

Buy local product. Check your area for local farmer’s markets, they’re everywhere now. If you’re lucky enough to have a huge Ecology department, they might offer some discounts on produce as well.

3. Buy an electric plug-in kettle
Seriously. Greatest invention ever. You can have hot tea or hot chocolate in just minutes. There’s no reason you shouldn’t have one (and they’re cheap!)

While it may not be too informative, I hope that this post helped you somewhat feel a little more secure about healthy eating in your college dorm.

What did/do you rely on to maintain a healthy lifestyle in college? Post below!