College and Breakfast

Let’s face it; breakfast is a meal that is easily forgotten in college. Many just don’t make time for this important meal (or they wake in time for lunch). However, eating breakfast can help you get through your day better! Breakfast can be super easy and even eaten out of your dorm room.

Without a refrigerator or microwave: This severely limits the options but not completely. The least you can do is eat fruit. Buy bananas, oranges, apples, etc. Not only are you at least eating some, you are eating something healthy. You can also opt for granola bars. Finally, there are muffins and other baked goods. Muffins and other baked goods may not be the best but better than nothing. I am also a big fan of the grapefruit. Slice one in half and sprinkle a little sugar (or splenda) and enjoy!

If you are lucky and have a refrigerator, I recommend my favorite breakfast—yogurt. I buy fresh fruit, usually strawberries, slice them and have a fruit and yogurt parfait with granola. I am going to give my plug for natural foods because a lot of regular yogurt has high fructose corn syrup in it. Also, yogurt with active cultures is also good!

My breakfast: ½ C of sliced strawberries, 1 C of yogurt and ¼ C of granola. This is about 300 calories depending on the yogurt and granola. I like hemp or soy granola—good nutrients and a good taste.

Other good breakfast food from the refrigerator is of course cereal and milk. Opt for whole-wheat cereal (I like Kashi cereals). Also, add fruit to your cereal—more bang for you calories. If you choose cereal, watch how much you eat. A serving size ranges from ½ C to 1 C—without watching many people pour in over two cups.

If you are lucky and have a toaster—bagels, toast, and English muffins with a little peanut butter can be a good breakfast. Again, eat a piece of fruit (I like to throw fruit in whenever I can!)

If you only have access to a microwave, I recommend oatmeal. Add water and zap in the microwave for a bit. This is not only tasty but oatmeal provides much needed nutrients. I like the Kashi Vanilla Hot Cereal. Try adding some nuts for a little extra protein or again fruit!

If you end up eating in the cafeteria, get some eggs. The commercials do not lie about the incredible, edible egg. Try and avoid the pancakes, waffles, and hash browns—these are usually not the best choice.

Other good tips:
-go for whole wheat
-if you can get eggs to order, get an omelet (or scrambled) with lots of veggies (tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.) I also like to eat egg whites (good protein, hardly any calories)
- Even though I recommend the bagel, be careful. Bagels and cream cheese can amount to a lot of calories!
-Drink milk! Whether soy or skim milk, there are nutrients that you need!