This blog post is titled top things to keep in your dorm, but this really applies to anyone no matter where you live! It can be hard to know what foods to eat when or what foods you should get at the store. Below, I will list 10 foods I think are important to always have around to help you stay on track.
- A Variety of Fruit- Always keep a variety of fruit handy, such as bananas, strawberries, apples, dried figs, grapes, etc. These are great for an extra boost with your breakfast in the morning, for smoothies, or just to grab when you may be craving something sweet. Avocados (yes, these are a fruit), are also full of great, healthy fats that our bodies love. Fruit is also loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, so it's a great snack to have and it's easy to take on the go!
- A Variety of Veggies- Like you have always heard, and the rule I will always follow, eat the rainbow! Try to keep a variety of veggies available. If you aren't sure, just get a variety of colors. For example: dark greens (broccoli, spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, etc.), squash varieties, cucumber, carrots(and hummus for dipping), and sweet potatoes. These can all be easily steamed in the microwave if you don't have access to an oven.
- Dark Chocolate- Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and is perfect for when you get that sweet tooth and don't want to indulge in a sugary, high fat dessert. Just break off a square or two, and there ya go, sweet tooth cured! ( p.s. It's also really good melted on fruit ) Be sure to pick real dark chocolate, not ones with lots of added other ingredients. ( oh and p.s. again... Justin's dark chocolate peanut butter cups are my lifesaver. )
- Clean Snack Bars- As much as I love making my foods from single, whole ingredients, we all need quick and on the go snacks sometimes. Keeping bars with clean ingredients around that you can take will stop you from grabbing that processed snack at the nearest shop in the middle of the day. Some of my favorites are lara bars, kind bars, yup bars, rx bars, that's it fruit bars, and macro bars. There are many more as well. You just have to check your ingredients!
- Popcorn- I love keeping popcorn in my dorm because it's great for when I'm craving salty junk food. Be sure to pick a pop corn that doesn't have added unnecassary ingredients and sugar. I love skinny pop and angle's boom chicka pop. You can also always make your own with popcorn kernels, seasonings, olive oil, and a paper sack in the microwave. Easy as that!
- Variety of Whole Grains- I like to keep a variety of grains in my dorm so I don't miss out on the amazing benefits that whole grains give us. Also, these are great sources of complex carbs. Oats are great to have handy as they can be made into a filling and quick breakfast in the morning. They have lots of fiber and are great for the heart. You can also keep things like steam able rice bags, brown rice cakes, whole grain toast, whole grain cereal and crackers, etc. available for good sources of whole grains throughout your day.
- Seeds, Nuts, and Nut Butters- These are great to keep on hand to throw into your snacks or mix with your oats in the morning. They are great sources of the healthy fats our bodies need and have a good amount of protein to step up your snack or breakfast a little bit!
- Variety of Protein Sources- Protein is so important in keeping your muscles strong and in making progress with your workouts. Be sure to always get plenty with your meals. I like to keep a few different sources that I can use throughout the week. For example: egg whites (great in oats, mug cakes, or just alone), yogurt, chicken, salmon, and turkey. I also try to get a lot of my protein from plant based sources (I have been doing this for a few months now and have really seen a positive difference) such as meat free chicken and other 'meats', tempeh, and legumes. Another thing I like to keep on hand is protein powder. It's great for oats and smoothies!
- A Happy Attitude- As cheesy as this may sound, and I know it's not a food, it is so important for staying on track! In order to stay on track, you have to have the right attitude going through life. Stay motivated, but don't get down on yourself when you mess up or have off days. It happens to everyone! Remember to find YOUR happy and love what you do. It's important to remember why you are choosing this lifestyle and to always stay positive.
- NOT junk food- Tricked ya! If you wanna stay on track, one of my biggest tips is to NOT keep junk food in your room (or house). If it isn't there, then you can't eat it! Keep clean snacks, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies on hand instead. Save the junk for those cheat nights or when you just wanna go enjoy a dinner with friends not worrying about food. You will appreciate it more if you don't allow yourself to constantly be surrounded by it.