How to Be a Vegetarian in College

Making healthy eating choices can be tough for any college student living in a dorm. For vegetarians, good options are even more limited. However, it is possible to stay healthy and eat well in the dorms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Microwave
• Cooking utensils
• Canned fruits and veggies
• Instant brown rice
• Canned beans

1. Your campus cafeteria should offer at least a few vegetarian options (beyond the salad bar). If they don't, you have the right to ask for it! Set up a meeting with the dining hall administration or campus life advisers, and politely ask them to consider expanding their options.
2. Educate yourself. When you ask for vegetarian options, have several simple choices to suggest: rice and beans, tofu stir fry, veggie casseroles. More likely than not, the cafeteria probably already has these ingredients on hand.
3. There are always a number of options for cooking in your dorm room. No matter what kind of appliances you have access to, you can create delicious and nutritious meals in your room.
4. If you have access to a microwave, instant boil-in-bag rice is a great option. Toss with canned beans and fresh, canned or frozen veggies.
5. Spaghetti sauce from a jar, with a handful of veggies tossed in, can be served over dining hall or microwaved pasta.
6. Always keep whole grain bread, peanut butter and jelly around. Veggie "deli slices" are also convenient for a quick sandwich.
7. Tortillas, microwaved canned beans, veggies and cheese are all you need for easy-to-assemble burritos.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the staples of grains (bread, pasta, rice, oatmeal), fruits, veggies and protein (beans, nuts, tofu, other soy products). Keep these basics on hand and you can always throw something together.