Dorm Room Snacks

Many people have said “college will be the best time of your life.” And I would probably have to agree with them. College is a great place for you to get to know yourself better, expand your horizons, meet new people and of course have fun! Although college comes with amazing experiences, transitioning to college can also be difficult, especially if you are in the midst of recovery from your eating disorder. From a nutrition standpoint, it is important to have a food plan in place so you are able to progress through your recovery. One thing I would recommend to you is to be sure to have snacks in your dorm room to set yourself up for success. Here are my top 10 tips for healthy snacks in a dorm room!

Go Terps! Delicious diner waffles

1. Buy extra food at the school cafeteria:

When I went to Maryland (Go Terps!), I would always buy some extra food to make sure I had enough for a snack later in the day or for breakfast the next morning. This is especially important if you have a busy day filled with class, work or studying. Some ideas of food to pack with you include, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit and cottage cheese/yogurt, chips and salsa, pita chips and hummus, cookies, or cheese or tuna salad and crackers.

2. Take advantage of the mini fridge:

Having a mini fridge in your dorm room is just another way to set yourself up for success! You open your world to many more snack options. Yogurt, hard boiled eggs, leftovers, deli meat, cheese, fruit, guacamole, hummus, salsa… Options are endless when you are able to store items in a fridge.  

3. Take advantage of the lounge:

In addition to a dorm mini fridge, using the appliances in a lounge, either on your floor or another floor in the building, is a great idea. Usually lounges have a microwave, a hot water spout, and sometimes even an oven (nachos anyone?).

Snacks perfect for dorm rooms

4. Stock up on granola bars, yogurt, fruits, other snack foods, and fun foods:

Bring a bunch of your favorite snack foods with you from home if you can. Another option is to go to the grocery store before you settle completely in. This way, you can be sure you are starting the semester off right with all of your fave foods. See above tip for how to store perishable items!

5. Have a “snack container” that you can store under your bed or in your closet

Perfectly organizedcloset:

This is a good way to keep yourself organized. Dorm rooms can be quite tiny. So, by having a specific spot to keep your snacks, you may be able to spare a little bit of room! Also, you will be able to more easily tell when it’s time to buy more snacks.

6. Make a list of study snacks:

Be prepared for those late nights in the library or at your desk! Unfortunately, it’s probably going to happen. Having a snack while studying will be able to give you long lasting energy. A general rule of thumb for snacks for longer energy… have a protein with a carbohydrate. What are your favorite examples of snacks?

7. Take advantage of free food:

Trust me on this one. As a college student, it is very important to take advantage of almost anything free! Sometimes on or off campus restaurants will either give out free snacks/foods or discounted food. This is a good way to have some extra snacks without spending money. #frugal

Leftovers make great snacks!

8. Plan ahead:

College is a very fun time, but it can also be a very busy time. Trying to juggle friends, classes, fun, and work will require some planning in advance. Think about your day ahead and plan for how many snacks you may need to pack. Purchasing some individual snack packs will make it easier to grab and go.

9. Self care and stress release:

Make sure you are finding time for yourself! Make a list of activities you can do to take care of yourself when you are feeling stressed. Also, be sure to keep up to date with your nutrition and therapy appointments to continue along your recovery journey.

Pizza, the most delicious of fun foods

10. Make time for fun and fun foods!

This one might be a bit self-explanatory. There will be so many fun events and new restaurants to try. Do your best to make room for these fun times and fun foods!

Even though having proper snacks to fuel throughout the day sounds small, it is a huge step that can make a difference in the success of your recovery. It will keep you on track with a food plan and allow you to be sure you are fueling your body throughout the day. A registered dietitian will be able to assist you with planning snacks around your busy college schedule.

What are some of your favorite snacks to have in a dorm room? How have you set yourself up for success?

Want to make an appointment with our dietitian? Give us a call at 240-670-4675

Note: This blog was edited and re-posted from August 21, 2015.