Help a hapeless college student feed himself

Head Beagle wrote:
[snip]

Quoted message said:

I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

[snip]

Quoted message said:

what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?
#2
How do I cook that?

[it's "hapless" :-) ] A little bit more info would help you get
useful responses. Will you have a full kitchen and if so with what
appliances (microwave, toaster oven, blender, rice cooker, etc.)? Are
you interested in developing cooking skills for fun, or basically just
to feed yourself? -aem

In article <[email hidden]>,

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?
#2
How do I cook that?

Submit whatever you like. 1 meal, a weeklong menu/meal plan, 1 recipe,
whatever you please.

Is it safe to assume you're on a modest or low budget? Most college
students living on their own try to economize on their living expenses.
A good economical type of food to eat for someone who burns a lot of
energy is pasta. Rice and beans are good too. All three are cheap and
there are tons of easy ways to cook recipes that include rice, beans, or
pasta. Do a google search for "pasta recipes" and you'll find tons of
stuff.

For protein, chicken thighs and legs are very easy to cook and
inexpensive. You can buy a package of chicken thighs, put them in a big
pan with a bit of olive oil and sear them so the skin gets golden brown,
then toss in a can of diced tomatoes, some dried oregano, salt, and
pepper, and you have something tasty and filling to serve over rice and
pasta.

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

competitive sports - you want protein that builds muscles; you want good
fats not the bad ones, and avoid white sugar, white rice, and white
flour, go for the whole grains, yogurt, good lean meats and vegetable
proteins like in beans. Then supplement with high anti-oxidants like
blueberries and tomatoes. Broccoli is your very best friend! Switch
your cooking oil to olive oil. Avoid anything that's highly processed.
Oatmeal is very good for you as are most fruits and veggies. Reduce
your red meat consumption and substitute fruits and veggies. Don't
forget you also need calcium and zinc so a good multi vitamin may be in
order. The number one critical thing though is proper hydration. Make
sure you are drinking enough water. I never drink pop and don't go for
those sports drinks so water is critical. Consider too that alcohol,
coffee, and tea dehydrate your body as does smoking.

Quoted message said:

#2
How do I cook that?

I'd recommend salmon. It is very easy to cook or you can buy it from
the can. It is high in Omega-3 and very good for you. I cook salmon
either on the bbq or pan fried in olive oil. A little fresh rosemary
and lemon juice is really nice with salmon. Sorry, I don't have an
actual recipe.

Quoted message said:

Submit whatever you like. 1 meal, a weeklong menu/meal plan, 1 recipe,
whatever you please.

Sorry, I don't really have recipes. I just cook this way all the time
and go from my gut feeling.

Quoted message said:

Thanks!!!

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?
#2
How do I cook that?

Submit whatever you like. 1 meal, a weeklong menu/meal plan, 1 recipe,
whatever you please.

Stir fries. You don't need a wok for this - a cast iron frying pan
actually works better, in my experience.

Use whatever ingredients you've got on hand.

Heat a little oil in the pan. Cut up your protein - beef, chicken,
fish, or whatever - even hotdogs or (gag) tofu will do in a pinch, and
your vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, onions, peppers, whatever. Throw
the meat in the hot pan and sir it around until nicely browned. Take
the meat out of the pan. Put the veggies in, and again, cook and stir
until tender but still crisp. Add the meat back in, sprinkle on a
little garlic powder, soy sauce, or just salt and pepper. Eat by
itself, or serve over rice or pasta. Or roll it up in a tortilla for a
burrito.

Kathleen

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?
#2
How do I cook that?

Submit whatever you like. 1 meal, a weeklong menu/meal plan, 1 recipe,
whatever you please.

Stir fries. You don't need a wok for this - a cast iron frying pan
actually works better, in my experience.

Use whatever ingredients you've got on hand.

Heat a little oil in the pan. Cut up your protein - beef, chicken,
fish, or whatever - even hotdogs or (gag) tofu will do in a pinch, and
your vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, onions, peppers, whatever. Throw
the meat in the hot pan and sir it around until nicely browned. Take
the meat out of the pan. Put the veggies in, and again, cook and stir
until tender but still crisp. Add the meat back in, sprinkle on a
little garlic powder, soy sauce, or just salt and pepper. Eat by
itself, or serve over rice or pasta. Or roll it up in a tortilla for a
burrito.

Kathleen

Quoted message said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

you're a little underweight -- you might consider the almighty Tuna Shake:

http://www.deepsquatter.com/shake.htm

more info available at misc.fitness.weights

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Food? Basically eat a variety of foods, including lots of
carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.

If you think you need to, check out a book or two on nutrition.
You can probably eat well on any number of diets as long as they are
reasonably balanced.

Quoted message said:

From my personal preferences, potatoes are amazingly versatile. One

can nuke a potato in 4-7 minutes in the microwave or bake one for 45
minutes in the oven, make potato pancakes, scalloped potatoes, gnocci,
and the list goes on and on. Rice is also very nice and pasta is
always a good standby.

Quoted message said:

#2
How do I cook that?

If you can, watch someone do some cooking. It is a lot easier to learn
the techniques that way than by guess or from a book. That being said
there are good cook books and guides out there. As a handy reference
for North American cooking I would recommend the Joy of Cooking - this
however is not really an intro text.

It is probably worth while to invest in 1 or 2 good kitchen knives, a
cutting board and a few decent pots and pans, a strainer, steamer, a
cookie sheet & perhaps a wok. Don't go crazy but some basic tools will
make life a lot easier. You should also invest in some storage
containers (Tupperware or equivalent) for storing leftovers or things
that you want to prepare in advance. Saran wrap is good 🙂 A blender or
food processor is not a necessity but it is handy.

Get some cook books to give yourself some ideas and experiment. I'd
recommend getting some from different cuisines, simple ones on North
American, Chinese, French, Italian. Indian, Arab are good ideas. I'm
sorry I don't have my examples to hand.

Quoted message said:

From a purist's point of view I'd stay away from prepared foods, ie

frozen servings of foods or pre-stuffed chicken breasts, etc as they
tend to be expensive and you can usually make better yoursef although
pasta sauce in a jar is always handy for emgergencies.

One good idea if you are cooking for yourself is to plan on actually
sitting down and eating a meal rather than eating on the run. You will
enjoy the food more and it makes cooking a balanced diet more appealing
and easier to do.

John Kane
Kingston ON

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Food? Basically eat a variety of foods, including lots of
carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.

If you think you need to, check out a book or two on nutrition.
You can probably eat well on any number of diets as long as they are
reasonably balanced.

Quoted message said:

From my personal preferences, potatoes are amazingly versatile. One

can nuke a potato in 4-7 minutes in the microwave or bake one for 45
minutes in the oven, make potato pancakes, scalloped potatoes, gnocci,
and the list goes on and on. Rice is also very nice and pasta is
always a good standby.

Quoted message said:

#2
How do I cook that?

If you can, watch someone do some cooking. It is a lot easier to learn
the techniques that way than by guess or from a book. That being said
there are good cook books and guides out there. As a handy reference
for North American cooking I would recommend the Joy of Cooking - this
however is not really an intro text.

It is probably worth while to invest in 1 or 2 good kitchen knives, a
cutting board and a few decent pots and pans, a strainer, steamer, a
cookie sheet & perhaps a wok. Don't go crazy but some basic tools will
make life a lot easier. You should also invest in some storage
containers (Tupperware or equivalent) for storing leftovers or things
that you want to prepare in advance. Saran wrap is good 🙂 A blender or
food processor is not a necessity but it is handy.

Get some cook books to give yourself some ideas and experiment. I'd
recommend getting some from different cuisines, simple ones on North
American, Chinese, French, Italian. Indian, Arab are good ideas. I'm
sorry I don't have my examples to hand.

Quoted message said:

From a purist's point of view I'd stay away from prepared foods, ie

frozen servings of foods or pre-stuffed chicken breasts, etc as they
tend to be expensive and you can usually make better yoursef although
pasta sauce in a jar is always handy for emgergencies.

One good idea if you are cooking for yourself is to plan on actually
sitting down and eating a meal rather than eating on the run. You will
enjoy the food more and it makes cooking a balanced diet more appealing
and easier to do.

John Kane
Kingston ON

Head Beagle said:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Dunno. What do trolls normally eat?

Head Beagle said:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Dunno. What do trolls normally eat?

Stan Horwitz said:

Is it safe to assume you're on a modest or low budget? Most college
students living on their own try to economize on their living expenses.
A good economical type of food to eat for someone who burns a lot of
energy is pasta. Rice and beans are good too.

Brown rice is cheap and also nutritionally dense, it leaves you feeling
"full"...as opposed to white rice, which is one of the most nutrient - free
foods around, it's a big zero nutrition - wise. It also immediately
heightens your glycemic level, leaving you with that empty stomach syndrome
a whiles after eating...

Quoted message said:

For protein, chicken thighs and legs are very easy to cook and
inexpensive. You can buy a package of chicken thighs, put them in a big
pan with a bit of olive oil and sear them so the skin gets golden brown,
then toss in a can of diced tomatoes, some dried oregano, salt, and
pepper, and you have something tasty and filling to serve over rice and
pasta.

Chicken breasts can be really cheap if you find them on sale. Lately I've
found bone - in breasts for $.98/lb and boneless for $1.69/lb at my
soopermart. That works out cheaper than other chicken parts...I guess the
chickens are getting lower wages these days or something.

Eggs are another great source of protein, they can be really, really cheap
(I've paid as low as $.39/dozen lately). Versatile, too...

Also depending on where this guy is I'd suggest ethnic markets, e.g.
Mexican, Asian, etc. Loads cheaper than regular white bread supermarkets...

--
Best
Greg

Stan Horwitz said:

Is it safe to assume you're on a modest or low budget? Most college
students living on their own try to economize on their living expenses.
A good economical type of food to eat for someone who burns a lot of
energy is pasta. Rice and beans are good too.

Brown rice is cheap and also nutritionally dense, it leaves you feeling
"full"...as opposed to white rice, which is one of the most nutrient - free
foods around, it's a big zero nutrition - wise. It also immediately
heightens your glycemic level, leaving you with that empty stomach syndrome
a whiles after eating...

Quoted message said:

For protein, chicken thighs and legs are very easy to cook and
inexpensive. You can buy a package of chicken thighs, put them in a big
pan with a bit of olive oil and sear them so the skin gets golden brown,
then toss in a can of diced tomatoes, some dried oregano, salt, and
pepper, and you have something tasty and filling to serve over rice and
pasta.

Chicken breasts can be really cheap if you find them on sale. Lately I've
found bone - in breasts for $.98/lb and boneless for $1.69/lb at my
soopermart. That works out cheaper than other chicken parts...I guess the
chickens are getting lower wages these days or something.

Eggs are another great source of protein, they can be really, really cheap
(I've paid as low as $.39/dozen lately). Versatile, too...

Also depending on where this guy is I'd suggest ethnic markets, e.g.
Mexican, Asian, etc. Loads cheaper than regular white bread supermarkets...

--
Best
Greg

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

http://www.trollshop.net/trolls/trollcream.htm

Enjoy!
Cathy

Head Beagle said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

http://www.trollshop.net/trolls/trollcream.htm

Enjoy!
Cathy

"Head Beagle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Stick around here

#2

Quoted message said:

How do I cook that?

Read the recipes.

Dimitri

"Head Beagle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Alright, this is sort of cooking, sort of dietary/nutrition, sort of a
collection of other things, so I am putting it here and a couple other
places to get a nice, wide ranging response.

Allow me to explain my situation. I am a fifth year senior who is going
to be living not in a dorm/not on a meal plan for the first time. As it
turns out, I have no idea how to keep myself properly nourished. I
REALLY REALLY want to avoid the ramen, pizza, and hot dogs menu route
of many college students. So, to that end, I am collecting advice from
cooks and other people who know a lot about food.

Here is a bit about me so you can know what you are working with.

6 foot 4, 170 lbs.
I play competitive club ultimate frisbee, so I engage in strenuous
exercise 10-15 hours a week. I use a ton of energy, so it takes a lot
of food to keep me going.

2 questions:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Stick around here

#2

Quoted message said:

How do I cook that?

Read the recipes.

Dimitri

cathyxyz said:

Head Beagle said:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to
establish healthy eating habits for life?

Dunno. What do trolls normally eat?

Billy Goats Gruff, of course.

Brian

cathyxyz said:

Head Beagle said:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Dunno. What do trolls normally eat?

Oh I don't think he's trolling. They sound like legitimate and sensible
questions to me, and ones which I wish more young people would ask before
grabbing for typical fast food junk.

jmcquown said:

cathyxyz said:

Head Beagle said:

#1
what does a guy like me eat to keep my energy up and try to establish
healthy eating habits for life?

Dunno. What do trolls normally eat?

Oh I don't think he's trolling. They sound like legitimate and sensible
questions to me, and ones which I wish more young people would ask before
grabbing for typical fast food junk.

Jill, you are a good sole (that's the OBFood part). 🙂
Let's hope you are right!
Cheers
Cathy