How to Maintain a Vegetarian Diet in College

Living in a dormitory can be tough for any college student, but for vegetarians, it can be even harder. Larger schools tend to offer a more rounded diet for people of all origins and preferences, but smaller schools may not have the kind of nutrients necessary for those who don't dine on meat.

There are three different ways a college student can receive a proper, tasty diet while on campus. The first one is obvious, but a bit of a challenge: finding food in the cafeteria. Sometimes, it may seem that the only options are French fries and a salad (as is often the case). But looking a little bit further, one can usually find a sandwich bar filled with goodies that will benefit the body and the soul. Adding ingredients like hummus to a plain-Jane tomato and cheese sandwich can sometimes make a world of different. Spinach is also another option to consider, as it can be added to almost anything. If the dining hall offers spaghetti, put some spinach into the mixture and melt cheese on top. It can sometimes be as simple as taking what is already offered and improvising with it.

The trick to a well-rounded diet is variety. Adding cottage cheese as a side offers much needed calcium, whereas peanut butter (perhaps on toast) gives a punch of protein. Most cafeterias offer these things on the salad bar or near the cereal bar if one is offered.

If the dining hall simply has no options, consider the grocery store your friend. At first it may seem hard being without a full-sized kitchen and all of its amenities, but thankfully major grocery stores are becoming vegetarian friendly. If a freezer is available for everyday use, consider frozen meals made by Amy's Natural and Organic Foods Company. They offer Indian, American, Mexican, and Asian varieties. They are relatively inexpensive and range from both vegetarian to vegan. Some of the more popular items include the Bean & Cheese Burrito, Cheese Enchilada, and the Spinach Pizza Snack. These are so quick and easy, it makes it feel a little bit more like home.

The hardest vegetarian to please is the vegetarian who is without a freezer. Though there are indeed many options out there, it can be hard to find something that is hearty enough to be satisfying. Oatmeal is a good option for breakfast-time (if the cafeteria doesn't offer it, it's inexpensive and takes only a minute to prepare). But at lunch and dinner time, the options are limited. Granola bars can only go so far! A company called Nile Spice makes soup cups similar to the ever-popular ramen noodle cups that are usually vegetarian and organic. They can be hard to find, but most major grocery chains have them in the organic foods section. Nile Spice offers soups that include Couscous Minestrone, Black Bean Soup, Tomato and Spice Soup, among many others. They are quick to make and don't require anything other than a spoon and access to hot water. Dr. McDougall's is another brand that can be found in the organic food section and they too offer 'food in a cup'. If you can't find these in stores, Amazon offers the Dr. McDougall's line of products on their website in larger quantities.

The most important thing is to find balance. Greasy, quick foods from the cafeteria are perfectly find in a pinch, and goodness knows that they are satisfying in a time of need. But for those of whom seek variety and healthier options, all of these suggestions fit the bill.