When you first move in to your new dorm room, you’re excited about the all-you-care-to-eat DC without your parents’ scrutiny: French fries, ice cream, and burgers galore! Unfortunately, not only do these start to weigh you down but they get plain old borrrring. Plus, when you’re in your room STARVING with the DC and C-stores closed, you feel like your options are limited and you wind up eating something unhealthy and unsatisfying.
Proper nutritious meals can help you stay focused, improve your mood, and make you feel GOOD– and that goes for snacks too. Snacks should give you an energy boost, help you stay focused, and keep you full until your next meal. Good carbohydrates- like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains- will provide that needed energy boost while stabilizing your blood sugar. This will help reduce your cravings and help you feel satiated. Protein, fiber, and healthy fats will sustain you until its time for a full meal. You can be more focused on the task at hand than at your grumbling belly.
Check out these 4 easy recipes that can all be cooked in your dorm!
PRO TIP: Utilize the DC’s Meals To-Go Program to fill up on ingredients while you’re at the DC to use for snacks later! Plan ahead and be creative.
1. Chocolate Covered Bananas
Ingredients:
- 1 Banana*
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 Tablespoon Nuts or Seeds*, chopped or crushed (Optional)
Method
- Microwave chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between.
- Cut or break the banana into bite-size pieces (about one inch) and place into the bowl with the melted chocolate. Coat thoroughly. Add the nuts or seeds now, if desired.
- Place the banana slices in a glass jar, or a reused plastic container, and place in the freezer for at least 45 minutes. More time may be needed depending on your freezer and the thickness of your slices.
2. Dip and Crudité*
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Plain Yogurt (or ½ yogurt, ½ hummus)
- 1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
- 1 Lime or ½ Lemon, juiced
- Fresh Veggies
Method
- Mix all of the ingredients together.
- Eat with fresh veggies, raw or cooked, of your choice.
3. Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
- 2 Hardboiled Eggs, shelled
- 1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise (or ½ mayo, ½ yogurt)*
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard*
- 2 Small Pickles, cut into pieces*
- Salt and Pepper*
Method
- Cut eggs in half and scoop out yolk. Mix yolk with the rest of ingredients.
- Scoop the mixture back into the middle of the eggs.
- Eat with whole grain toast or fresh veggies! You can also mix the entire egg with the same ingredients, scoop into a piece of lettuce, and top with a tomato for something a little different.
4. Baked Apple*
Ingredients:
- ½ Cup Yogurt or 2 Tablespoons nut/seed butter
- 1 Apple
- 1 Teaspoon Butter
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Honey (optional)
Method
- Carefully remove the core from the apple. Place the apple into a mug or microwavable bowl.
- Add the butter, cinnamon, and sweetener of choice into the center of the apple.
- Microwave for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on it. The apple should be soft enough to easily stick a fork through. Serve with toppings of your choice: yogurt, nuts/seeds, dried fruit, coconut flakes etc.
*Ingredients can be found at the DC
Let us know if you try any of these and leave a comment! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Sources:
Aria Wexler, Nutrition Coordinator
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/foods-high-satiation-3799.html
http://www.careeraddict.com/21920/why-carbs-are-key-to-your-focus-at-work
Author: Giulia Tondo, Clinical Nutrition
Healthy Aggies at UC Davis 