One of the biggest struggles with new students at university is figuring out the whole… “eating thing.”
Granted if you’re a commuter and you live at home, this really isn’t an issue cause you get to mooch off your parents for a little while longer.
(Which is awesome.)
…but if you’re in a dorm or a house just off campus, it can be tough figuring out what all you need to prepare some decent meals, let alone foods that fit your goals for building muscle.
That’s why I’m sharing some kitchen tools that I think are essential for making healthy meals that will help you become a mass monster.
Plus… they’re great for dorm-dwellers with limited space.
1. Slow Cooker
I’m leading with the slow cooker because it’s one of the kitchen tools that I probably use the most.
The reason it’s so awesome is because it allows you to make some complicated dishes with multiple ingredients, stick them in a pot, and walk away for hours while it cooks.
I really like taking bland chicken breasts, mixing them with some taco seasoning and a few cups of salsa, and then letting that cook for about 8 hours.
I own this more basic Crock Pot model, but it works like a champ and owns a permanent spot on my countertop.
2. Rice Cooker
I’ve said it before and I’ll said it again, but rice is one of the easiest, and best foods to include in a muscle-building diet because…
- It’s easy to make
- It stores well
- It’s versatile
- It’s cheap
And unless you have access to a stove, you need to use a rice cooker instead to cook up your rice.
Like the slow cooker, it’s another “set it and walk away” situation that allows you to cook a meal while you’re in class or working out.
This one by Aroma Housewares is only $30 and it has a ton of features (a bargain).
3. Microwave
I couldn’t go much further in this list without mentioning the all-powerful microwave.
Practically anything that needs to be reheated (or cooked quickly) can be done in any ordinary microwave.
Just make sure you get one that’s compact enough since chances are it’ll take over a specific tabletop space for a long time.
For that reason, I recommend this Westinghouse model that’s small and versatile.
4. Mini-Fridge
I’m pretty sure the mini-fridge is on the packing list for any college student and it’s for good reason.
Obviously, if you’re serious about building muscle and cooking/making your own meals, you need a place to store all your food.
Just make sure you have an agreement with your roommate on what foods are yours and which are his.
(I’ve read too many horror stories on Reddit.)
I recommend the RCA RFR321-FR320/8 IGLOO cause it’s sleek as hell and small enough to stay out of the way.
5. George Foreman Grill
Having a small grill on your floor is going to make you the envy of all your classmates down the hall.
(Even if it’s only big enough for a couple burgers.)
What’s awesome about a tabletop grill is that you get all the benefits of grilling without a lot of mess.
The fat and grease drips away and it only takes a few wipes to clean the sucker so it’s great for cooking burger patties, chicken breasts, and steaks.
This might seem over-the-top, but I’d go with this 4-serving version of the grill so you can cook your foods in bulk and save for later.
6. Magic Bullet Blender
I use the term “magic bullet” blender liberally to describe any sort of little mini blender.
Larger food processors and blenders take up a lot of room and are a hassle to clean and that’s why having a smaller, compact version of that still allows you to dice, shred, and chop up any food you need without all the extra cleanup and storage.
My favorite thing to blend up is blueberry protein fluff with frozen blueberries, protein powder, and milk (so good).
I recommend the original Magic Bullet Blender, but any similar style blender will do.
7. Electric Can Opener
Finally, you can’t forget an electric can-opener.
I rely on this handy contraption multiple days of the week when I gotta get anything out of a can and I don’t want to look like a dirty cattle rancher fumbling with a prehistoric can-opener.
I usually eat tuna a couple times per week and it’s a pleasure to just stick the can into the holder, press down on a lever, and watch it magically separate the lid from the can.
What a time we live in!
I have an older version of this Cuisinart SCO-60 Deluxe and it hasn’t failed me yet.
Do You Have Anything to Add?
So there you have it.
7 tools that will make prepping muscle-building meals insanely easy and you can even keep them in your dorm.
Now I want to hear from you.
Leave a comment below and tell me what cooking tools YOU use for your fitness meals?