Dorm life. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Perhaps it’s the woes of loud neighbors, messy roommates or the freshman 15. Maybe it’s the idea of living off microwaveable meals like Velveeta Shells & Cheese, and Ramen.
While those first three issues may be inevitable, that’s not the case with the latter two. Dorm life doesn’t have to be synonymous with unhealthy eating and weight gain.
In fact, it can be a catalyst for college students to increase their intentionality and awareness about how and what they’re eating.
Healthy Snack Idea #1 – peanut butter dates.
Dates — not the romantic kind; the dried fruit kind — are a sweet, soft and caramel-like fruit that essentially function as nature’s candy.
According to healthline.com dates are High in fiber, antioxidants and minerals like copper, magnesium and potassium, dates are a powerhouse of nutrition. Better yet, they store for six to 12 months if kept in a cool and dry environment, so spoilage isn’t a concern.
For this simple and healthy recipe, you need two ingredients: organic peanut butter and unpitted medjool dates. You can also add cinnamon, sea salt (arguably the best topping), cacao powder or honey.
First, split the dates and remove the pits. Then, spread a teaspoon of peanut butter onto each of these natural delights and enjoy!
Or, if you want to experiment with flavors, see the optional toppings listed above. A word of advice: a dash of sea salt makes a great salty-sweet flavor combo.
The snack provides lasting energy from the date’s high carbohydrate content. It is also satiating because of its fiber and healthy fats from peanut butter.
Healthy Snack Idea #2 – cottage cheese cups
Cottage cheese has become popular in the health and fitness realm recently, and for good reason. It’s one of the best and most versatile sources of protein.
The only ingredients you’ll need for this snack are a container of 2% cottage cheese and toppings of your choice like honey, sliced apples, cinnamon, granola or berries. All of the above is an option too.
Simply scoop one-half of a cup of cottage cheese into a small bowl. Add any toppings of your choice, or if you prefer, just enjoy it plain.
This snack is a good source of calcium and protein while being highly versatile.
Healthy Snack Idea #3 — protein yogurt-dipped bananas.
The ingredients for this healthy snack idea are as follows: one medium banana, non-fat Greek yogurt and either whey or plant protein powder. You can always add additional toppings of your choice.
First, scoop about one-third of a cup of yogurt into a small dish. Stir in a scoop of protein powder and mix until fully combined. The mixture’s consistency should be relatively thick.
Next, cut up your banana and mix the slices gently into the Greek yogurt mixture to coat them. Put the coated bananas onto a dish lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for about an hour to create a delicious frozen treat.
The nutritional benefits for this recipe include potassium, calcium and a good amount of protein.
It is possible to eat healthy in a dorm setting — you don’t have to be subject to the freshman 15 or microwaveable-meal purgatory, and you don’t have to break the bank to avoid it.
The key is to work with what you have, even if it’s not much. It just takes a little more intention and creativity.
Schaner is a POV reporter for The Liberty Champion.
Graphic by Jenna Bradfield, GSA for the Liberty Champion.