Blog Article: Easy and Healthy Recipes For College Students

In college, it can be challenging to keep your diet in check. With classes, part-time jobs, internships, and other personal obligations, eating healthy may be the last thing on your mind. But nourishing your body is crucial for keeping your immune system strong and supporting proper brain function. Nutritious foods can boost your productivity, improve your mood, and keep you alert.

Here are some delicious easy meals for college students worth trying:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and this couldn’t be more true for students! Get your fuel for the day with overnight oats. This is a convenient and healthy breakfast option for college students. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, even for beginners. All you need is your choice of milk, rolled or steel-cut oats, and your favorite mix-ins (like fresh fruit). You can even add a few spoonfuls of peanut or almond butter and some chia seeds to make it more filling.

If you’re not much of an oatmeal person, you may enjoy yogurt parfaits for breakfast instead. They are just as easy and quick to make, and a healthy way to start the day. Like overnight oats, you can prepare yogurt parfaits in advance so you don’t have to worry about making breakfast each morning.

To make these parfaits, choose yogurt that comes packaged in single-serving cups or containers. Open the lid and pour it into your container of choice. We love mason jars! Add granola or fresh fruit like berries or bananas if desired—or add protein powder if you want something extra filling before hitting up that morning lecture!

Did we say we love mason jars? Let’s have some fun and make salads in them! Mason jar salads are an easy way to get veggies in your diet. They’re portable and don’t require a lot of preparation, so they’re perfect for college students who don’t have much time or kitchen space. You can use any type of lettuce, but romaine is the best. It’s sturdy enough to hold up well without wilting while you eat it.

When it comes to salad ingredients, the options are endless. Add any vegetables you like—onions, bell peppers, broccoli florets—and toss in protein sources like chicken, lentils, or tuna fish. Feeling creative? Try making an Asian-themed salad by adding some shredded carrots and sliced almonds along with your choice of dressing (sweet sesame or chili sauce works well!).

The key ingredient for a satisfying salad is the dressing. You want something creamy enough to coat each leaf but not so thick that it weighs down the greens when combined with other ingredients.

Got a ton of ingredients in the fridge that are begging to be used? Try a simple veggie fried rice. You can make it once and enjoy leftovers for days. Vegetables like broccoli, corn, peas, carrots, and onions are mouthwatering in fried rice. For protein, you can add tofu, chicken, or beef.

College students love fried rice because it is easy to make once you have the ingredients. Simply toss your veggies and choice of protein into the rice in a giant wok. Season everything with garlic and soy sauce for flavor. Mix thoroughly and voila! You’ve got yourself a scrumptious meal in just 15 minutes.

You can’t go wrong with baked salmon and veggies if you’re craving a hearty meal. Baked salmon is packed with plenty of omega-3s and other feel-good nutrients. Not only is it incredibly tasty with the right seasonings, but it’s also simple to prepare. Salmon cooks up perfectly in foil pockets in the oven. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and condiments like rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Salmon takes about half an hour to bake in the oven, so you can prepare your veggies in the meantime. Stir-fry broccoli or bok choy with garlic and onions tastes amazing with salmon!

Looking for a no-brainer meal with fewer carbs and calories? Zucchini noodles are an excellent alternative to pasta. They’re also gluten-free and low in fat. Eat healthier without sacrificing flavor!

There are two ways you can incorporate zucchini noodles into your diet. You can prepare it fresh with a spiralizer or mandolin slicer, or check out the frozen section of your grocery store for pre-packaged zucchini noodles.

Once you’ve prepared the noodles, it’s time for the garnishings! Top the dish off with your favorite spaghetti sauce, meatballs, cheese, and some basil.

Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which keeps your eyes and skin healthy. They can also be incredibly yummy if prepared the right way. Roasted carrots are a hit among college students. You can enjoy them as a snack or as a side to a complete meal. Thyme is an herb that adds a nice flavor and aesthetic.

Healthy eating is vital for optimal brain function and overall health. Preparing meals ahead of time is a fantastic way to save money, eat healthier, and ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. College students are busy people—without a plan, it can be easy to slip through the cracks and reach for junk food.

Try picking out one day of the week for “bulk cooking,” where you make enough food for several days in one go. Meal prepping can help you avoid the stress that comes with deciding what to eat on hectic days.

If you cook your own meals at home instead of ordering take-out, you have more control over what goes into the food. Stay away from the doctor’s office by avoiding preservatives, artificial ingredients, and excessive sodium and oil—common components of restaurant meals.

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University students have a lot on their plates. Between classes, homework, and extracurricular activities, it may feel like there’s no room left for a balanced diet. Fortunately, with these seven easy recipes, you can stay on top of your game. Prepare meals in advance so that next time you need to satiate hunger, it won’t be tempting to run to your closest convenience store. Not only are these college meals good for you, but they also taste great, too!