The "Food Shock": Survival Tips for the International Kitchen 🍔🥦

 The Problem: Beyond Burgers and Fries When I first moved to the US for my Engineering degree, I thought I knew what to expect. I thought, "I like burgers, I’ll be fine!" But after two weeks, the reality hit. Eating out every day was expensive, the portions were huge, and I really missed the taste of home. I realized that managing my diet was just as important as managing my study schedule.


How I Fixed It (My Tips for You):

  1. Find the "International Aisle" (or the Local Market) 🛒 I discovered that most US supermarkets have an international section. I started looking for spices and grains that smelled like home. Cooking a simple meal from my country became my best way to cure homesickness.


  2. Meal Prep is Your Best Friend 🍱 Engineering labs are long! I started "Meal Prepping" on Sundays. Making big batches of rice, chicken, or pasta saved me hours during the week and kept me from spending $15 on a quick lunch every day.

  3. Potluck Dinners = New Friends 🥘 I started inviting my American and international classmates to "Potlucks" where everyone brings one dish. It’s the cheapest way to try food from around the world and a great way to bond outside of the library!

  4. Don't Fear the "To-Go" Box 🥡 In the US, restaurant portions are massive. I learned that it’s totally normal to ask for a "to-go box." Now, one restaurant meal becomes my lunch for the next day. Efficiency!

Conclusion: Taking care of your body is part of taking care of your grades. It takes time to find your rhythm in a new kitchen, but once you do, the US starts feeling a lot more like home. Don't be afraid to experiment!

What is the one dish from your home country that you miss the most? Let me know in the comments! 👇

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