Appliances to invest in as a student living on campus

Do you find it hard to eat healthy on campus because there are more unhealthy food options to choose from? Why not make a healthy meal in your room? It’s easy; you will need to invest in a kitchen appliance. Did you just say that you don't have money as a student? This will depend on what you love making because there are many affordable appliances. If you have roommates, invest in kitchen appliances together as a house.  Some of these appliances and tools include a rice cooker, smoothie blender, electric kettle, fridge, paring knife and a can opener.

1. Smoothie Blender- If you love smoothies you might definitely want to consider getting a personal blender which makes it possible to make smoothies in little or no time. It is small, portable and can fit into your backpack. Smoothies are very filling and packed with nutrients. Taking a smoothie can carry you through your morning till you can finally make time to get lunch. Smoothie Blenders can cost $15 and up depending on its quality.

2. Rice Cooker- This appliance cooks rice, vegetables, oatmeal, sauces and stews. On average it takes 20-30 minutes but it doesn't require your attention so you can study while you cook. It has a thermostat that triggers when it’s done.Price for rice cookers range from $20 and up.

3. Electric Kettle- Tea drinkers will find this appliance very useful, especially on cold mornings. A full kettle takes an average of 3 minutes to get to its boiling point. An electric kettle can also be used to boil eggs and cook frozen veggies. Remember to wash after each use! Kettles costs are usually $15 and up.

4. Can Opener- Many vegetables (peas, corns, beans) come in a can.  These can last in your shelf for a long time so it is students' staple food. Don’t forget to have a can opener handy! Prices for can openers can start as low as $10.

5. Paring knife- This is an essential kitchen tool that is needed to cut your veggies and fruits into convenient edible size. Safety conscious blades that can be enclosed in the handle of the knife. You can bring this to class and cut up some fruits/ vegetables and eat it for snack! Prices for paring knives start as low as $10.

6. Fridge- This might be the most important item you would need to preserve your fresh foods like dairy products. Having this makes you plan ahead because you can do meal preps on the weekend and have them fresh anytime you need to eat them during the week.

All these appliances and kitchen tools are important but make sure to have your bowls to store the meals, plates and plastic insulated tumblers to serve your meals.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at mphteamone@gmail.com

References:

Yancey, A. K. et al., (2004). Population-based Interventions Engaging Communities of Color in Healthy Eating and Active Living: A Review. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC544532/

Allrecipes (2015). Campus Cooking: the Advanced Course. Retrieved from http://allrecipes.com/howto/campus-cooking-the-advanced-course/