I will admit it’s hard to eat healthy or even normally when you’re not at home and you have to go out to get food or make it. At the University of Oklahoma, it might be hard for some people to not go for basic kneed and eat something healthier. Freshmen 15 is a real thing, but it shouldn’t have to be feeling good about yourself and feeling healthy and strong should be the new normal. As a student you are constantly feeding your mind information so try to feed yourself with food that will help you keep focus and energized throughout those long studious days, or even if you want to sit and do nothing.
Try to stay away from frozen meals not all are bad, but wouldn’t it be better to enjoy something that you don’t have to make in the microwave that’s kind of depressing sometimes, right? Also eating fresh fruits and vegetables in your meals is so much better. The more appliances you have in your dorm the better, also try to use the dorm kitchens it’s not so bad!
First off the “most important meal of the day” is breakfast! There is no excuse to not eat breakfast not only does it keep you more energized but gets your brain ready for the day. I’m being biased because I have been one to skip this meal completely but there are so many breakfast options to have or make in a dorm, caution it’s no moms made breakfast but it’s a start.
Microwave Mug Omelet- This one is no rocket science just crack, and egg add seasoning and microwave for one minute. Adding another ingredient such as cheese, and vegetables such as chopped onions and bell peppers are a great way to boost the flavor.
- Overnight oats- A classic go-to meal that’s tasty and the best part, easy! Rolled oats, milk, vanilla extract, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, honey, cinnamon, coconuts, salt, and the list goes on the amazing creations reading for you to enjoy in the morning. Oh, did I mention the best part it is easy for on the go, especially those 8:30 am classes!
- Grilled chicken- If you’re anything like me then meal prepping is the way to go, especially on those days when you just want to eat and go to bed. Frozen or not cooking chicken on a weekend is a lifesaver. Chicken goes with anything a salad, vegetables, rice, the options are endless, and you might have guessed it right healthy!!!
- Salad- I know most people know that salad is always a go-to healthy meal option but it’s not. Adding in a dressing that’s full of sugar and calories has defeated the purpose for me. So, making my dressing has been my saving grace. 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, a whole lemon, seasoning to preference and you have an amazing dressing that you might prefer over store-bought dressing. Pair it with vegetables or even fruit you want to add some protein, and you have yourself a delicious and nutritious salad.
- Pasta- Raise your hand if you have a Fasta Pasta, because it’s the best! In moderation pasta noodles aren’t always that bad, I have heard of new pasta that is only 9 calories called konjac noodles, but I have yet to try it out myself. Rao’s Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce is a taste from Italy that is easy and affordable. Paired with pasta and some protein like ground turkey or grilled chicken it’s an easy healthy meal!
That’s just a couple of alternatives to other foods but the options are endless, so roll up your sleeve and get to creating!
I love these ideas for food, especially when the dining halls get so repetitive after 6 months of eating at them everyday. I started recently utilizing my air fryer a lot more and have been making meals in that. This week I plan to make a salmon and rice bowl with a variety of other foods!
Breakfast is something really important that I have neglected for the past few months I have been here, however, the recipes you have provided might just change that. The mug omelet seems really convenient and honestly really appetizing so I’ll be sure to keep that recipe up my sleeve.
Rao’s is my favorite tomato sauce in a jar!
I like these tips too–especially your “avoid prepared salad dressing,” so I’ll build on that one: once you figure out the proportions you like, make a jar full land store it in the fridge! (And try olive oil: healthy calories! Mykaela, am I in the spirit of this blog???)
I agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet I can’t remember the last time I’ve had breakfast here. I’ve experienced the opposite of the typical freshman 15, going from 185 to 170. While this might sound good, at least 10 of those 15 pounds were muscle, so I’m not exactly happy with myself. Maybe I’ll do what you say not to do and eat strictly at basic kneed so I can gain my weight back!