Perfecting the Dorm Room Diet

So, we've all been freshmen here at Moravian...it was either years ago, last year or maybe even currently.  

We've all also heard of the Freshman 15.

Between the "not-so-home-cooked" meals, the tempting choices in the Blue and Grey and the overwhelming amount of beer - it's not hard to pack on extra pounds freshman year, sophomore year, junior year and senior year, too!

The other big mistake that many of us make or have made is having unhealthy snacks available in our dorms/apartments.  While you may have had these snacks in your home, chances are you were pretty active in high school and didn't have as much free time to sit and graze through your cupboards.

Obviously chocolate chip cookies and Oreo's are much better tasting than some of the snacks I'm going to list, but if you care about your gut, your waist line and the cottage cheese that has found its home underneath your butt cheeks, then you'll listen.

If you're already spending money on food, you should consider spending it a little differently.  Here is my shopping list from a recent trip to Weis Markets, which is just up the hill from Moravian College.  I spent only $51!

• Fiber One. This company now makes 90 calorie snacks that are filling and delicious! I actually ate a Chocolate and Peanut butter granola bar for breakfast, and it'll keep me full until my mid-morning snack! Plus, they're cheap!
• Greek Yogurt.  I bought 10 cups of Weis brand greek yogurt for $8! It's high in protein and now comes in delicious flavors (blueberry, strawberry and peach)! They also have the Oikos brand available sometimes in the Blue and Grey!
• Steamed Veggies. There are many companies that now sell frozen veggies in microwavable bags.  They're cheap, easy and awfully filling!
• Stir-Fry Ingredients. I bought a bunch of stir fry ingredients, because it's my favorite low calorie dinner!  I bought canned baby corn (30 calories a cup), soy sauce (0 calories), brown rice (150 calories for 1 cup). 
• Chicken Breast.  I bought over 50 ounces of chicken for $9! I separated the package into freezer bags and now this will last me for over two weeks of home cooked meals. 
• Egg Whites. I personally buy the "All Whites" brand - but there are also generic brands with the same caloric content. It's just 25 calories for a quarter cup and they are very easily prepared. Just microwave them, salt and pepper them, and viola! 
• 100 calorie Popcorn! That's right. Popcorn now comes in 100 calorie bags, so you won't over-eat on it.  It's also a great after meal snack if you're just not full enough!
• Deli Flats.  Bread is so 15th century. Try the deli flats by Pepperidge Farm! They're 100 calories, which is the same as one slice of bread!
• Salad Dressing.  I found a fat free Caesar dressing. It's only 10 calories per 2 table spoons (compared to the 150 for full fat dressing). 
• Kashi Cereal. It's full of fiber, DELICIOUS, and not very expensive for the amount of cereal you receive in one bag.
• Oatmeal.  You can buy oatmeal in pre-portioned packages - which takes away the hassle of measuring for caloric purposes.  I often add a scoop of protein powder to create "Proats"!
• Orbit Gum.  I usually always have gum.  It's the best low calorie snack out there - plus it doesn't hurt on a Saturday night ;).

Having these snacks around will fulfill your craving with much better nutrients and low calories.  Also, products with artificial sugars, sugar as the first product and many carbohydrates will not fulfill your craving - and in fact you'll eat more than you would with a high fiber option.

What are your favorite low calorie dorm room snacks?!

As always, be smart.

XOXO, 

Ms. Wisely