Adulting is definitely not an easy thing to do. If you’re anything like me, the key to staying stable and happy is eating the right foods and getting enough nutrients. As a freshman in college, this is the probably the hardest transition. While the dining halls offer a variety of good options, sometimes it is really important to add fresh foods and locally sourced, healthy alternatives to the dining hall meals. This means groceries.
Trader Joes offers the perfect option for quick and easy, nutritious food. Yes, you can even make it in a dorm room. The frozen meals are probably the easiest and most filling, but even having some fresh snacks, fruits, and veggies in your fridge will be a game changer.
Unfortunately, I did not learn this until late into second semester, so I never had time to perfect the ideal grocery list, but I can offer some suggestions:
- Frozen Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice
- Frozen Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- Dried Mangoes
- Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
- Corn and Quinoa Salad
- AND SO MANY MORE
I really cannot express how much fresh groceries changed my Freshman experience, it was like day and night. Settling in to a completely new place is definitely overwhelming, and focusing on what you put into your body can really make a difference in the midst of all the other craziness that you are sure to experience at UW Madison. Those are just a few of my favorites that are super easy to make and/or eat! If you are lucky and have access to a kitchen, be sure to check out some of these Trader Joes-specific recipes: