It’s no secret that being healthy in college can be a bit of a challenge. Between endless buffets of cafeteria food and late night, post-party munchies, cooking a homemade meal might not seem like the easiest go-to option for many coeds. But with an open mind and a creative outlook on some of your favorite comfort foods, making a meal in the dorms can be simpler than one might think! I recently did a little research on how to make some of my favorite eats with just a mini fridge and a microwave (no oven or stovetop necessary). Without further ado, here are seven delicious no-cook dorm meals you can whip up in a snap…
- Blueberry OatmealFor starters, this one-minute-breakfast is a much healthier option than the McMuffins your fellow dorm dwellers will be eating in the morning. Pick up a bag of organic rolled oats, a carton of almond milk and fresh blueberries the next time you’re at the grocery store. Microwave your oatmeal with almond milk (instead of water, for added protein and flavor) and top with blueberries… and maybe even a shake of cinnamon too. You can even put it in a to-go cup to eat on your way to class.
- Crunchy Veggie Humus WrapOne of the best parts about it is that it doesn’t require any cooking!
- PB & J Banana SandwichWho doesn’t love a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Well, let me fill you in on something: they’re even better with banana slices. All you need is bread, peanut butter, your favorite jelly, and one banana, sliced. Just prepare and go.
- Updated QuesadillaYour basic quesadilla, made with flour tortillas and greasy cheese, isn’t the healthiest choice for in-dorm dining. But make a few changes to this Mexican food classic and you’ll have yourself a much healthier option. Use whole-wheat tortillas, grilled chicken (you can buy pre-sliced chicken at most grocery stores), reduced fat cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. And don’t forget the best part! Add some slices of avocado inside before you cook it in the microwave.
- Tortilla pizzaThis recipe for Skillet Tortilla Pizza says to use a stove, but it’s just as easily done in a microwave. Simply lay a tortilla on a plate, spread tomato sauce on top, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and add a few basil leaves. Pop it in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or until the cheese has melted.
- Updated RamenRamen is an easy way to make a meal in mere minutes, but the salty seasoning that comes with the noodles is full of MSG and loaded with sodium. To make your ramen healthier, hold the seasoning packet and instead add steamed veggies and a salad dressing for flavor. To steam veggies in the microwave, simple put them in a microwave-safe bowl with a 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover the top with a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 3-4 minutes. Microwave your noodles in a separate bowl with water and top Asian salad dressing (like sesame miso or a soy ginger sauce) and your veggies.
- “Baked” Sweet PotatoSweet potatoes are one of my all-time favorite fall foods. So when I heard you could bake them in the microwave (in just 10 minutes!), I was elated. I also couldn’t believe no one had told me this kitchen trick when I was in college. The blog Sweet Anna’s recommends puncturing the potato several times with a fork, placing it on a microwave-safe plate and baking it for 8-10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it is soft. You can fill yours with anything, but I would recommend black beans, nonfat Greek yogurt, avocado and a sprinkling of cilantro. Yum!
