Being a student can feel like a full-time job, between classes, extracurriculars and events there is hardly time for anything else — especially for cooking. Eating well is essential for staying focused and energized throughout the day, so ditch the notorious ‘girl dinner’ and instead opt for quick and easy meals that are both nutritious and appetizing.
Meal Prep Is the Way to Go
The best way to ensure tasty and affordable meals is through meal prepping. We have all been there, feeling wildly overwhelmed going into the grocery store each week with the endless amounts of ingredients and options. However, choosing a list of meals that you are excited about and going in with a plan can make the process incredibly easy.
Cook Time
When starting, it is important to dedicate a day to prep. Usually, reset days, such as Sunday, are perfect to give you a manageable time slot to cook. Setting a date helps you prepare for the week ahead and build a routine. It is key to remain consistent, so cooking feels less like a chore and more like part of your schedule!
One of the most popular ways to meal prep is cooking a surplus of food and then separating and saving it for later. This is best when using recipes with customizable ingredients such as a food high in starch paired with vegetables and proteins of your choice. This allows customization so you can change ingredients to incorporate what you enjoy and leave out what you don’t. Examples include this recipe for glazed chicken or this roasted vegetable couscous meal which both allow for personalization!
Don’t Stop There
This not only applies to dinners … you can meal prep breakfasts and even snack boxes as well. Overnight oats and parfaits are incredibly popular for the morning since they can be prepared the night before. Once again, these can be easily customizable like this overnight oat recipe which includes different toppings and fillings. You still eat what you want, but prepping makes the process easy and manageable!
Fuel Your Body
As college students dealing with classes, schedules and socializing, our bodies are put under an immense amount of pressure. The importance of eating well during this time cannot be understated, as a balanced diet improves our mood, health and energy. It is critical to remain mindful of your body and what it needs to function so you can excel in all aspects of your life.
Incorporating a well-balanced diet can be daunting, but your body will thank you! Adding meal prep to your routine will provide you with nutritious meals without the hassle. Fall in love with cooking and how eating well will make you feel.
What is your favorite meal prep recipe? Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag with your creations!
