CL Girl’s Guide to Packing a Healthy Dorm Refrigerator along with Savvy Snack Ideas!

One little refrigerator? How is a classy co-ed to stock the fridge? Have no fear, there is a way to pack your mini fridge efficiently to include healthy foods and ensure that you will always have “go-to” meals and snacks.

1. Cheese, pretty please! Cheese is a quality source of protein and calcium. Pair it with an apple and you have an excellent snack. A fabulous brand to try is The Laughing Cow. They are the real deal, made with the real stuff. They offer Mini Babybels in different flavors from Cheddar to Gouda. The Laughing Cow also has wedges of cheese that are spreadable! Spread some of the cheesy delight over some whole grain crackers for a quick snack. This spreadable delicacy can be toted to class as a snack (it can go unrefrigerated for a limited length of time). So if you are heading to class, and want a mid afternoon snack, toss a wedge in your purse. For other savvy purse tips click here. Check out The Laughing Cow’s website for some “snacky” and savvy cheese ideas.

2. Go for some yogurt! Yogurt is another fab source of protein and calcium. For natural yogurt try FAGE Total yogurt. It’s a Greek yogurt so it is a bit more creamy with a thick consistency. They even sell some with add-ins such as blueberries, or honey. The awesome part about yogurt is that it is very versatile. You can include it in any meal, or use it as a snack. For breakfast you can add granola and a piece of fruit. Vanilla yogurt with cinnamon sprinkled on top makes for healthy treat. You can also add almonds into your yogurt for added health benefit. A little chocolate never hurt anyone, right? Try adding Emerald’s Cocoa Roast Almonds for an interesting twist to your traditional yogurt.

3. Deli meat! Pack some deli meat such as turkey for impromptu meals. If you have bread (whole grain preferably!) in your room it makes for a quick meal for the CL girl on the run. Make sure that when you go to the deli counter you ask for nitrite free meat. Remember, the least processed, the better! If you are a vegetarian, pack some hummus. The chickpeas in hummus are a source of protein and it can be spread on bread and crackers or used as a dip for your beloved veggies!

4. Milk! Skim milk that is. Every CL girl needs her calcium. See 1 and 2. Milk is a nutrient-packed post workout snack that will refuel your body and help build strong bones! Think healthy and confident! Feeling adventurous? Try unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk and surprise your taste buds! Coconut milk is especially beneficial for a post workout drink because it replenishes your electrolytes!

5. Veggies! While you will not have the opportunity to whip up some sauteed grilled veggies, you can still get your daily servings! At the grocery store you can pick up some mini packs of baby carrots and even dip them in hummus to make a fresh snack. If you have a jar of peanut butter in your dorm you can always spread it on some celery as well. In Shelly’s book, “Eat Well and Be Fabulous,” she revealed many helpful tips. One of them was another way to make sure that your fridge is packed with veggies for the week. Get the veggie tray at the grocery store and pack the veggies in multiple plastic Ziploc bags. You will have a “go-to” veggie bag for every day of the week!

6. Don’t forget your fruit! Apples, oranges, and berries are fantastic picks. You can easily take apples to class for a snack. Berries can be added to your yogurt (see number 2). Variety is key so try a new fruit to keep your diet fresh, exciting and well-rounded. Papaya or kiwi anyone?

Get packing and make your mini fridge a savvy source of food. With a healthy dorm fridge and snack ideas up your sleeve, you will be be one prepared and healthy classy co-ed this semester!

Maggie Young is a sophomore at the University of Kansas. She is majoring in Journalism and loves her fruits and veggies. She enjoys eating healthy food because it makes her feel energetic, confident, and happy!