So, you’ve heard the rumors of the freshmen 15. “That won’t happen to me!” you say as you indulge in your third slice of cake from Second Cup you received this week.  Did you know that it IS possible to stay healthy on campus, even with a meal plan? Check out a few of these tips!

1. Use what you have!

Living in a traditional style dorm without a kitchen can for sure impose a few difficulties while trying to eat healthy. However, most buildings do come with a microwave, and a toaster oven in the common room. You can do a lot more than just heat up your popcorn in these appliances!

Here’s a link to microwavable meals you can make

http://greatist.com/health/surprising-healthy-microwave-recipes

Here’s a link of toaster oven meals you can make:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/robfranklin/i-literally-have-never-opened-the-oven-in-my-apartment?utm_term=.gtaOn0ro6r#.mym5d4qZ2q.

1. Choose the right foods!

So prepping and making food does take up a lot of time. If you’ve chosen to have a meal plan, here are some healthier choices on campus. Remember, healthier does not necessarily mean more expensive!

Berries and Bloom

Berries and Bloom offer a salad and fruit bar. You can pick and choose what kind of salads and fruit you want and then they weigh it. They also have smoothies, and sandwiches (with gluten free options!) that are quite delish!

Falafel Hut

Falafel Hut is the staple of the York Lanes. Known for its late hours, Falafel Hut is also known for their cheap pitas. If you hold off on tzatziki sauce, you can get yourself a pretty healthy lunch and dinner! Some other options are to get some of the dinners they have, and ask for extra rice instead of potatoes. Their chicken is also Halal Certified, and they have vegetarian options!

Le Prep

Le Prep offers various salads and sandwiches that are fresh, and very yummy. They also have some great smoothies (recommended: Acai Berry smoothie!). Try having one of their smoothies for breakfast.

Qoola

Qoola is known for their frozen yogurt bar, however they also offer lots of salads and sandwiches! Salads from there start at 8 dollars, and they come in a large container – big enough for a dinner! They have Gluten Free, and vegetarian options.

Freshii

If you venture on over to the Lassonde Building, you’ll notice a small place in the front called “Freshii”. Freshii is one of the lesser known areas, however they have fresh salads for you to indulge in!

These are just a few options around York. What healthy options can you find?!

1. Meal Prep

Meal prepping is a good way to save money, and to eat healthy. It also helps that you already have your meals ready to go – just another thing to not have to think of in this busy time! Make this list the week before, so you know what to get when you go grocery shopping.

Here’s a basic template you can use!

Of course, make it your own – but this is just an example of how simple it can be!