Unfortunately, many college students struggle with eating on campus. For most students, college is the first time they have full autonomy over their diet. This, coupled with the smaller variety of meal options, the lower quality of meal options, and the limited access to groceries, can make it difficult for students to eat consistently and adequately nourish their bodies.
Regardless of whether they’re in recovery for an eating disorder, it’s essential that college students prioritize their health (i.e. eating) in addition to their studies. We know that this is easier said than done, which is why we have compiled several strategies, and even some snack suggestions, to help students fuel their bodies. Continue reading to learn how to nourish your body in college!
Strategies to Nourish Your Body
1. Plan Ahead
Before the start of each semester, take a look at your schedule. Do you have back-to-back classes that will make it difficult to find time to eat? Will you need to pack snacks, or even lunch, before you head to class? If so, try to build time into your day for you to make food. Or find a place where you can eat in between classes.
2. Make Time for Grocery Shopping
Finding time to buy groceries can be difficult for anyone, especially college students. Depending on where you go to school, we know you might not have easy access to a grocery store. Therefore, it can be helpful to schedule a regular time to buy groceries. This could be every week, every two weeks, or even once a month as long as you buy enough groceries to tide you over.
Also, consider inviting your friends on these grocery runs! Making plans with other people is a great way to hold yourself accountable and ensure you actually make it to the store. Plus, the more people you have with you the less of an obligation the trip will feel like!
3. Schedule Meal “Dates” with Friends
If you struggle with eating consistently, a great way to eat regularly is to set up daily or weekly meal plans with your friends. For example, you and your roommate could have dinner together every night or you and your classmate could have lunch together after class. Even if you and your friends run out of things to talk about, you might find the routine of eating with others helpful and comforting. Especially if eating is a source of stress for you.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Lastly, it’s important to have a backup plan in case unexpected obstacles arise. What if your class runs long and the dining halls close before you can eat? Or what if you’re stuck off-campus and don’t have access to your usual snacks? The key when preparing for these situations is to always have extra food handy. Maybe you keep a couple of granola bars in your backpack. Or maybe you keep a microwaveable frozen meal in your dorm’s fridge just in case. Taking small steps, such as these, can have a big impact in the future.
Snack Suggestions from Our Courage to Nourish Staff
Now that we’ve discussed some strategies to help you fuel your body consistently, let’s discuss some college student-friendly snacks you can make. To help, several of our registered dietitians sent us a list of their favorite snacks for college students!
Alex Raymond, RD, LD, CEDRD-S:
- Oatmeal packets
- Nachos (microwave cheese on tortilla chips!)
- Animal crackers
- EasyMac and Cheese bowls
Kathryn Karukas, MS, RD, LD:
- Bagels with cream cheese
- Pre-sliced cheese and crackers
- Cereal and milk
Shira Hochstadter, RD, LDN:
- Pretzels and hummus or nutella
- Graham crackers w/ peanut butter
- Goldfish
Final Thoughts on Best Snacks for Your College Dorm Room
College is a stressful time. The transition from living at home to being fully independent is full of new changes, stressors, and pressures. However, it’s also full of new opportunities, experiences, and freedoms. It’s important not to let things, such as food, detract from your college experience. With the right tools and resources you can positively fuel both your body and your college experience.
Contact Us
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland. and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Contact us for more information. And to schedule a discovery call. Also, sign up for our client or clinician newsletter!