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apeck496
apeck496 Posts: 34 Member
edited November 17 in Social Groups
Just finished my freshman year of college. I was in a dorm so I couldn't make food for myself but next year I'll have a stove, oven and fridge! Anyone have some tips? :)

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  • eatearth
    eatearth Posts: 19 Member
    Congrats on finishing your first year! My advice - really learn how to cook (if you don't already know how)! And I'm not saying know how to scramble and egg or put together processed ingredients to get a meal. I mean know how to take a bunch of raw ingredients, some spices (or in my case, lots of spices,) and make something that's healthy but super delicious! That was my issue when I was still doing my undergrad. Cooking to me meant buying processed "healthy" foods and eating them, but a lot of hidden calories (and sodium!) hide in there. Now that I learned how to cook well eating healthier is much easier!

    Oh, and buy a food scale if you don't already have one! They really help you figure out how man calories you're taking in if that's something you worry about.

    Lastly, have tons of fun! I still miss my undergrad apartment and all the crazy memories I have from there )
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    I concur with the suggestion to get a food scale.

    My college experience is a bit different than most. When I started my first degree 12 years ago, it was in the summer (2 weeks after graduating high school) because I didn't want to wait to get started. The college I attended was small and only had apartments on campus (with kitchens containing ranges, refrigerators, sinks). Back then, I wasn't as interested in eating healthy and losing weight. I didn't have time to cook either (during the busiest part of my bachelor degree, I was a FT student, had a FT job, 2 PT jobs, did independent contractor gigs on the side, plus did volunteering when I could).

    I wanted to share my perspective first so you understood where I'm coming from, but I'll offer some suggestions:

    1. Share in the cost, but be willing to go the extra mile with effort. If you have time (or if a roommate has time) and enthusiasm to make delicious and calorie-friendly meals, work out an arrangement to share the cost (it will probably be cheaper for everyone for larger batches of ingredients); and you (or someone else who is also interested) does the cooking. This will be really helpful for and appreciated by roommates who are very busy, prevents wars over cooking appliances, and allows you more control (assuming you are selecting ingredients and cooking) over the meal.
    2. Plan ahead. Sometimes schedules are tough to work with. Get some microwaveable re-useable containers (such as those Glad plastic tubs) for pre-prepared meals, leftovers, or for a roommate's portion that is unable to be home at meal time. These are for times that you won't have time to cook and can quickly microwave something.
    3. Be smart about utensils and pots/pans. You don't need every possible kitchen gadget, nor will you have space or money for them all. Get the things that you really need and will use. Clean after every use so you only need one of each.

    *Just a note: If you are going to share with roommates on meals, be sure to get information about allergies and general off limits foods. I had a Laotian roommate once who was the one that did the cooking, but made dishes that just seemed wierd to me. I think the worst was something with sheep's bladder in it.
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