It’s about the time of the semester where dining hall food just becomes disgusting. You’ve had the same rotation of meals for almost six months and if you have to look at one more greasy vat of sad vegetables you might cry (or maybe that’s just me).
Of course, snacks are important in general for getting through long days of classes, but making some of my favorite snacks (that have the potential to be meals) will keep you out of the dining hall with Instagram-worthy food.
1. Oatmeal
OK, so I’m sure you’re thinking “Wow, really outside of the box on this one Leighnah.” To which I say, “Just you wait” because oatmeal is so versatile! Not only is it good for you with fiber and what not, but oatmeal is so customizable. Whether it’s dressing up instant oatmeal with fruit, chia seeds, or mixing in yogurt, oatmeal can be as simple or elaborate as you want. My personal favorite is just taking flavored instant oatmeal and mixing in some seasonal berries or bananas. Oatmeal is the perfect quick breakfast for when you’re already running late.
Recipe:
- Take a packet of instant oatmeal (I used Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal) and pour it into a bowl. Add 2/3 of a cup of water, milk, or milk substitute. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add fruit (frozen fruit works as well), stir in yogurt, add granola, chia seeds, or anything your little heart desires!
- Prep and Cook Time: About 3-4 minutes.
2. Scrambled Eggs
One of the most inconvenient parts about dorm life is having limited access to a clean kitchen. I hate to say it, but I really don’t trust the utensils…or pans…or stove…in my building. So, I was left with a challenge: how to make some of my favorite meals without a stove? This led me down the path of microwave mug meals and to my surprise they are almost as good as the original. I love making scrambled eggs with cheese on the weekends and pairing it with some fruit for a tasty take on brunch.
Recipe:
- Combine 2 large eggs with salt, pepper, and about 2 tablespoons water, milk, or unsweetened milk substitute into a microwave safe mug. Whisk (a fork works as a great whisk) until blended.
- Cover with a vent for steam (I used plastic wrap with a hole in it) and microwave for 1:40-1:50.
- Let the eggs stand to finish cooking for about a minute. Add cheese if you desire and stir!
- Prep and Cook Time- About 4-5 minutes
3. Smoothie Bowl
I’m not sure about anyone else, but if you are also obsessed with at least one foodie Instagram account like I am, you have most certainly seen the art form that is a smoothie bowl. Like oatmeal, smoothie bowls are incredibly customizable. Combine any type of fruit, yogurt, and milk or juice or even water in a blender and you’ll have the smoothie part down. If you want to be extra healthy, you can even add some greens like kale. Pour your smoothie into a bowl and decorate with more fruit, chia seeds, or granola. The options are endless! My recipe is just for a raspberry banana smoothie, but you can really use whatever combinations you want.
Recipe:
- Combine 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of raspberries, and half of a banana in a blender and puree to your liking.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl.
- Add cut mango and strawberries on top with 1 ounce of chia seeds and a ¼ cup of granola.
- Prep and Cook Time- About 6-10 minutes
4. Apple "Sandwiches"
Not only are these lil “sandwiches” cute, they’re also filling and can be pre-made for later. Apples and peanut butter are a classic, but this takes it on the go for in between class walks and car rides home for spring break. You can experiment with any nut butter as well as various toppings for the nut butter so you won’t get tired of this protein packed snack.
Recipe:
- Take 1 or 2 apples and cut out the core.
- Slice them horizontally.
- Spread any kind of nut butter or Nutella on the apple slices and add granola, chia seeds, or any other seed or dried fruit.
- Place slices on top of one another to create a sandwich!
- Prep and Cook Time- About 5 minutes.
So there you have it! Most of these snacks take under 10 minutes to make and will definitely upgrade your day by not only being good for you but also delicious. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites as much as I do!
