Going going to college is fun, but it can also be stressful. For many students, that stress can translate
 |
| iStock / huephotography |
So what are some healthier, dorm friendly foods for the budget conscious student?
Try these 25 healthy dorm snacks:
- Granola - not only is granola great for snacking right from the container, it's also a hearty cereal and topping for yogurt.
- Peanut butter - what's not to love about peanut butter? It's inexpensive, has a long shelf life and versatile. Just make sure to use a spoon or spreader rather than your fingers in the jar.
- Oatmeal - it's easy to make and is the perfect to-go breakfast on cold mornings.
- Fruit cups - a sweet tooth alternative to a candy bar. Try warming the fruit in a container with some granola for variety.
- Energy or protein bars - perfect for keeping the edge off of hunger between meals.
- Soup - there are canned, bagged and dry soups to satisfy every taste. Make sure you have a microwave safe soup mug for easy heating and eating.
- Dried fruit - raisins, dates and other dried fruits are perfect for snacking and loaded with nutrients.
- Cheese - great alone or with crackers. You'll need a small refrigerator and either a container or reusable wrap to keep cheese fresh though.
- Trail mix - another perfect grab and go snack. We make ours with mixed nuts, raisins and M&Ms. Make a big batch and store in single serve containers for convenience and to control portion size.
- Applesauce - sweet and nutritious, applesauce is great both as a snack or side dish.
- Hummus - perfect dip for crackers, veggies and pretzels.
- Apples - inexpensive and they store well in containers or bags.
- Low-fat popcorn - popcorn is viewed by many as unhealthy, but low-fat microwave varieties offer the benefits of popcorn, like fiber, without all of the fat.
- Whole wheat crackers - perfect for satisfying the need to crunch something. Top with peanut butter, cheese or hummus.
- Nuts - these can be pricey, but they are hearty and an easy grab and go snack.
- Baked potato - the ultimate frugal food! Baked potatoes are super easy to make in the microwave. Need toppings? Try some cheese or plain yogurt.
- Kale chips - so much healthier than snacks like potato chips. Don't want the expense of buying them? Try making them yourself with one of the many recipes on the internet.
- Roasted chickpeas - these are so simple to make in the oven from canned chickpeas. Again, the internet has dozens of recipes for roasting chickpeas.
- Noodles - ramen noodles were the noodles of choice when I was in school, but if you are on the hunt for a slightly healthier alternative, try making your own with thin or fine wheat noodles and chicken broth in a microwave noodle container.
- Bananas - this inexpensive fruit is perfect for snacking and is loaded with nutrients like potassium. To keep them fresh for up to two weeks, try using a Banana Bag.
- Yogurt - this is another healthy breakfast or snack food that is inexpensive.
- Carrots, celery and radishes - perfect for dipping in hummus, these healthy veggies can be stored in a small round container in the refrigerator.
- Tea - drinking a cup of tea is healthier and can less expensive than other drinks such as hot chocolate. Need some caffeine and carbs to make it through a hard night of studying? A cup of tea and an energy bar is a healthier alternative to soft drinks and chips. Store bags or loose tea in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Berries - loaded with vitamins and minerals, strawberries, raspberries and other berries are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth, especially when topped with yogurt or dipped in low fat pudding. We use our Banana Bag to keep berries fresh.
- Pudding - pudding? Yep. Just make sure it's low fat. Pudding is perfect for serving by itself or as a dip for fruit.
