Eating healthy snacks and meals in college can be difficult. For me personally, the transition into life with a microwave as my only appliance was challenging. As someone who really values and feels best when eating healthy, it was frustrating at the start. Of course, you can make it happen, but it takes more work than it would at home with a nice, spacious kitchen, and an excess of groceries and time.
College life is busy, and eating healthy when you’re in a rush to class or busy getting assignments done is tough (and sometimes annoying). I have learned a thing or two this semester about balance, giving myself grace, and just focusing on making healthy choices — rather than focusing on making every single thing I eat perfectly “healthy.”
Today I wanted to share my FAVORITE healthy snacks that you can should keep in your dorm at all times, to make healthy eating more accessible. I found myself purchasing these particular items week after week this semester... and loving them! These are really simple snacks that will keep you fueled for studying and make your body happy too.
Peanut Butter RX Bars:
I’ve tried every flavor of RX bar, but these are BY FAR the best. I was skeptical of RX Bars for a while after having a few that I wasn’t a fan of, but I am addicted to the Peanut Butter flavor!! To me, RX Bars are the perfect snack. They’re made from ONLY dates, peanuts, egg whites, and salt. So you’re getting 12 grams of proteins, 8 grams of healthy fats from the peanuts, and a serving of fruit from the dates!! Oh... and they taste REALLY good.
Carrot Chips and Hummus:
Okay, yeah yeah yeah… I know this sounds boring. But it’s TWENTY EIGHTEEN people and there are like 50 flavors of hummus to choose from at the grocery store!!! I literally get a new flavor every time I go to the store and haven’t been disappointed yet. Carrot chips are always the way to go, rather than baby carrots. I don’t know what is is… they’re just better. I eat this pretty much every day.
Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals: Simply Salted LIGHT
That is a mouthful, but hear me out. Microwave popcorn can be full of refined oils and added ingredients that you probably don’t want in your body on the reg. There can be 40-50 grams of (unhealthy) fats in a single bag of popcorn (that I could easily eat by myself). Even everyone’s favorite, Skinny Pop, has 45 grams per bag. But, I’m here for you. This kind is the best!!! The ingredients are only Whole Grain Popping Corn, Palm Oil, and Salt. Plus, only 12.5 grams of fat in the whole bag, which is much better in comparison. It’s really yummy and definitely doesn’t taste like you’re missing out on any added oils.
Almond Butter or Peanut Butter
These are simple pantry staples that can do a world of good. Both offer healthy fats and a substantial amount of protein. Perfect to eat with a banana, apple slices, a spoon, crackers, or on oatmeal!
For things like crackers, chips, and cereal (three things I’m a fan of)...
I always like to go for healthier alternatives with better ingredients, as opposed to traditional/not-so-good-for-you snack foods. Looking for gluten-free or even grain free items (as opposed to items made with ingredients like enriched wheat flour or processed corn) is a good way to go. here are countless "better for you" brands out there.
For cereal, I like Nature’s Path Organics, Cheerios and Kashi. I've recently been in love with these tortilla chips, which are made out of BEANS rather than corn. A lot of mainstream brands are introducing healthier products now and there are countless "better for you" brands out there. Putting better ingredients in your body will make you FEEL better and be able to work and move better!
Other things I consistently bought this semester were:
- Honey Crisp or Cripps Pink apples, unsweetened almond milk, medjool dates (with nut butter😍), quick oats, and granola (KIND and Purely Elizabeth brands!).
Eating healthy in college is definitely a learning process. It takes time and effort, but it’s all about finding what works and feels best for YOU and your body individually.
