Everyone has heard about the dreaded “freshman 15.” Packing on the pounds while at college is certainly avoidable if you choose nutritious foods at the campus dining centers and make sure to exercise on a regular basis.

But, snacking, quick bites between classes and late night study breaks can add sneaky calories between meals. Here are some great foods and beverage mixes to stock your dorm with for better snacking:

• Peanut butter & jelly: sweet and filling, for those occasions when you crave a sandwich or feel like eating a spoonful straight from the jar
• Cereal/instant oatmeal: these are quick and easy breakfast foods to prepare right in your dorm
• Trail mix: a perfect snack on-the-go, trail mix will provide you with an energy boost before your next class 
• Popcorn: perfect for a movie night with friends or as a light snack 
• Nuts: feeling hungry? Grab a handful of almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc. and the protein will help you feel full until your next meal
• Granola bars: Both a nutritious and delicious, granola bars also have the perk of being highly portable, if you need a snack on the go
• Dried fruit: satisfy your sweet tooth with dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, cherries, blueberries and more; all are healthier than a trip to the nearest vending machine
• Canned soup: if you don’t feel like trekking in the Iowa snow in order to eat at the dining center, heat up a bowl of hearty soup and enjoy
• Flavored drink mixes: add flavored drink packets to your plain water and your taste buds will be bursting with a fruity sensation. You may also find you’re more tempted to drink more water throughout the day this way
• Animal crackers: another favorite from childhood, it’s hard to resist crunching on these circus animals
• Hot chocolate/instant coffee/tea: wake up or fall asleep with these warm drinks 
• Rice cakes and graham crackers: top them off with peanut butter and chocolate chips for a simple dessert
• Fruit cups: make sure to buy fruit cups with light syrup or no sugar added for the healthiest option
• Frozen meals: don’t have time to sit down and eat a meal? Companies such as Amy’s, Lean Cuisine and Kashi make savory meals that you can microwave in just a few minutes.
• Munchies (pretzels, Chex mix, etc.): these are yummy snacks, but resist the temptation to eat the entire bag