Moving from the comfort of your own home to a cramped dorm room can be a difficult transition. Above all, the loss of a stocked fridge and Mom flipping pancakes on a Sunday afternoon is enough to hurl you into a permanent funk. There comes a time in every college student’s life when the excessive snoozing that leaves you with only a few minutes before class and a painfully empty stomach just becomes too much. By buying non-perishable or bulk food, you can fill your stomach without emptying your wallet and won’t have to worry about your food spoiling within a few days. Here are a few simple, quick breakfast ideas that you can make in your room all by yourself, no Mom required.
Photo by Kirby Barth
Indulge in Oatmeal
Oatmeal doesn’t have to be the bland and lumpy breakfast your grandmother used to force feed you when you were eight. It’s actually a scrumptious way to kick start the day without the sugar splurge. Plus, oatmeal has been proven to lower cholesterol and boost the immune system. Try something like Quaker Instant Oatmeal Flavor Variety (10 packets for $4.89), which includes flavors such as Maple & Brown Sugar, Cinnamon & Spice and Apples & Cinnamon. This way you won’t have to buy your own spices. Yes, you have to walk around the corner to your floor’s kitchen, but it takes less than two minutes to cook, and all you have to do is add water! Once you’ve made the oatmeal, you can add in raisins (six snack boxes for $1.99 at CVS) to boost your fiber and iron intake. If your sweet tooth is begging for more, add a few chocolate chips. Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Chips (12 oz for $3.99) are lower in sugar than milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Lastly, if you’re able to snag a banana or some fresh berries from the dining hall, slice them up and sprinkle on top!
Photo by Kirby Barth
Toast to You
If you’re looking for something satisfying and don’t mind feeling a little guilty later in the day, try this sweet and salty delight. But be forewarned, it is sinfully delicious and instantly addicting. Start with whole wheat toast (Arnold’s Stoneground Whole Wheat Bread is only $3.49 a loaf) and peanut butter ($4.39 for a jar of Skippy or $5.99 for a larger Whole Foods jar). Slather the peanut butter onto a slice of bread. Then cut up half a banana and put the slices on top of the peanut butter. A banana is a great addition to any breakfast because it is not only sweet and tasty, but also naturally fat- and cholesterol-free, high in potassium, vitamin C and B-6 and helps regulate the digestive tract. Finally, drizzle honey and/or chocolate sauce on top of the toast to finish it off. Honey can be found at drugstores and grocery stores under generic name brands for around $3 to $4. For the chocolate sauce, stick with original Hershey’s Syrup, which remains a tried and true favorite at only $2.79 a bottle.
Photo by Kirby Barth
Protein Parfait
Sweet, healthy and satisfying, a Greek yogurt parfait is the perfect choice for a dorm-room breakfast to fight off hunger pains throughout the day. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, contains much less sugar than regular yogurt and has essential healthy bacteria that improve intestinal health. The best bang for your buck is at Whole Foods, where their brand of yogurt is sold for $5.99 for 32 oz, enough to last you a week or two. While you’re there, pick up a bag of Udi’s Gluten Free Vanilla Granola (a splurge at $5.99 but well worth it). It adds just the right amount of sweetness to the tart yogurt and can help lower blood pressure and prevent anemia. Sprinkle the granola (or if you’re really in a bind, your favorite cereal) on top of the yogurt, and add fresh fruit such as berries, bananas or even a pear. Not only does it take one minute to make, but it looks and tastes amazing, too!
Shake it Up
Love fruit? Try a few of the Naked smoothies sold at Whole Foods and campus cafes such as the C-store ($3.99). Naked smoothies are 100% fruit and vegetable juice smoothies with no sugar or harmful chemicals added. If winter is making you nostalgic for vacation days spent lying on the beach, try a Power-C Machine. Made from strawberries, guava, apples, oranges, peach and mango, it will transport you right back to the Caribbean. Oh, and it also provides you with 1000% of your daily Vitamin C, so Mom and your doctor will be pleased. If you need to work out in the morning or stay full for longer, try the Protein Zone Double Berry smoothie. It contains 16g of protein and lots of iron to prevent anemia. You can keep these in your fridge and grab them on the go when you’re late.
Photo by Kirby Barth
Willing to invest in your future happiness? Hamilton Beach makes individual-sized blenders that are easy to clean and simple to use for only $20. Stock up on frozen fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and mangos. All you have to do is add milk or yogurt for a creamier texture, and blend! For a small bite before class, just reach for a box of cereal. It will feed you for weeks and can stay in your drawer for months. Check out Cereal Dater: Which Cereals Are Best? for some helpful suggestions. Always try to add fresh fruit to your cereal for essential vitamins and a gratuitous flavor boost. (Hint: venture away from the typical berries and bananas and test combinations of cereals with peaches, pears and mangos!)