When you live on campus, finding good, quick, healthy food may seem difficult. Although the University offers a selection of restaurants for a fast meal in the Student Union on a dining plan, the choices may not always provide a good range of healthy options. So, as a student running between classes or powering through a study session, the last thought may be to cook — but what if cooking could be realistic, simple and affordable — even in an apartment or a dorm with limited appliances? Check out these healthy and tasty recipes to save dollars and fuel your studies.
Breakfast
If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast but don’t have much time, you can try this omelet recipe and add your favorite toppings. Eggs are an excellent source of protein to fuel your brain..
Lunch
Do you want the bold taste of fajitas without spending a lot of time and money? This recipe provides protein options and shows you how to preserve the nutrients in your vegetables while using a microwave.
Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
Who says you have to eat your ramen hot? This recipe has six common ingredients and only takes a few minutes to prepare. You can also add or adjust toppings to increase the nutritional benefits; adding more varieties of nuts, for example, boosts the brain power potential of this dish.
Why pay money for powdered, preservative-filled mac and cheese when you can make your own quality mac in just a few minutes? You can add different vegetables or change the flavor profile by switching to other cheeses. Try this recipe and get creative with your garnishes.
In the mood for a salad with a zing? This salad incorporates cooked chicken for protein (you can use canned, frozen, grilled, or rotisserie) oranges for vitamin C, and cabbages for iron-rich nutrition. Try this Asian-inspired recipe for an international approach to your greens.
Do you enjoy the taste of tuna? Fish rich in omega-3 are great for improving brain function. This recipe puts a spin on the classic tuna sandwich using mozzarella and basil as bonus ingredients — no need to toast!
Dinner
This savory recipe actually provides three variations to take your meal planning further and makes multiple servings for later meals or for sharing! You can also easily increase the nutritional benefits of this dish by increasing and adjusting the vegetables mixed in.
If you’re looking for some easy Tex-Mex taste without going the frozen meal or fast food route, this recipe offers the flavor in a fraction of typical cook times. The use of beans makes this dish nutrient-rich, as they are full of vitamin B, which promotes brain health.
If you enjoy a good bowl of udon soup, this recipe is super quick and delicious and can easily be upgraded with more ingredients, like a boiled egg, tofu or a variety of other types of mushrooms.
Here is another quick option for protein with some flavor. This recipe uses pre-cooked chicken that you can shred or use strips and only requires five ingredients.
The moral of the story? You don’t have to be bound to the campus food court or spend a lot of money on fast food options to feed your hunger. You can make the best of your dorm appliances and save time for studying with these recipes. Simple choices such as meal planning and opting out of pre-made food selections can go a long way to giving you a healthier and happier lifestyle while you’re on campus.
If you enjoy these recipes, you can find more healthy tips on our website, including our own juice and smoothie blend recipes to power you up for success. Are you interested in hearing more about healthy and positive living or looking for others with the same interest? We’re here for you! Be sure to check out our newsletter and our other club “blends” to see how you can enhance your college experience on “The Juice” App (Download on Apple & Android phones).
