Easy, Healthy, Microwave Friendly Foods

Michelle Shaffer
Alpha Chi Omega

Anyone who has ever eaten on campus has heard about Sbisa, or “Obesa,” as it has been dubbed, as one of the main options for your meal points. However, while getting this food may not take a large chunk out of your time, it will cause you to “chunk” up. The healthy options on campus are extremely limited to what is essentially, rabbit food. But, fear not, with a little bit of creativity and some exploring, I have discovered some healthy snacks and meals that are not only dorm friendly, but health conscious as well.

1. Baked Sweet Potatoes – This version of sweet potato may not be as tasty as the sweet potato pie that Grandma makes, but it is a healthy alternative to chips and other oily food. Just use a small to medium sized sweet potato (or “yam”) and poke holes in the skin using a fork, knife, or whatever you have handy and cook on high for about 5 minutes, then turn it over and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the yam is slightly squishy to the touch. Put a small tab of butter or margarine along with a little salt (and maybe cheese) and you have a snack rich in fiber, complex carbs (which take longer to process), beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

2. Popcorn – As long as you don’t choose an overly buttery variety, popcorn is actually a very healthy snack. Most of the snack is air, but has a very satisfying flavor and takes a long time to eat. A personal favorite, healthy kind is Orville Redenbacher’s Simply Salted, which has less fat without sacrificing flavor.

3. Rice and Beans – If you use instant brown rice and black beans, along with some hot sauce, this easy meal creates a complete protein. You will need a microwave safe bowl or dish and maybe some more spice of your choice. As far as healthy and inexpensive go, this meal is hard to beat.

4. Amy’s Microwave Meals – These microwave dinners are wholesome and filling and perfectly portioned. Additionally, every meal is made from all organic ingredients. Personal favorites are the macaroni and cheese, black bean and vegetable enchiladas, pesto tortellini, and vegetable lasagna.

5. Campbell’s Select Harvest Light Soup – These soups are delicious and well rounded. They are low fat, high in fiber, and have at least a full serving of vegetables. Add about a quarter to half a can of garbanzo beans (chick peas) to the bowl before you pop the soup in the microwave and save the rest of the can for later. These beans don’t have a distinctive flavor, so you can’t taste them in the soup, but they add more fiber and some protein so you will feel fuller longer.

Michelle is a sophomore studying business.  You may contact her at michellesh@tamu.edu.