Convenient Yet Nutritious College Meals
As a college student, I feel like every second of my day needs to be optimized. I’m balancing academics, extracurriculars, building my resume, and I’m maintaining my physical and mental health; all while trying to make the best of my college years. It feels like there are not enough hours in the day, which can lead to putting my physical needs to the side. If I am having a busy day running all around, I frequently resort to granola bars and protein-heavy snacks as a substitute to an adequate meal.
I observed how this resulted in frequent headaches and constant tiredness/lack of energy. This motivated me to find easy and fast meals that I could prepare and eat on the go to prevent me from neglecting my physical needs. I have experimented for the past three years with various simple recipes and listed the top 5 recipes I would recommend for a college student!
Chicken Fried Rice
Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
This is such an amazing meal that can be made in one pot! It warms up great and can be taken in a lunch box to go as well. I had all these ingredients in my kitchen already to make this and it felt like a very fancy meal but took little work. It has great protein and vegetables.
Chicken and Pasta Casserole with Vegetables
Recipe: Chicken and Pasta Casserole with Mixed Vegetables Recipe
This casserole is such a cozy meal that reminds me of my grandma’s cooking. It takes few ingredients and lasts the whole week. Easy to warm up and a pretty heavy meal when you need a substantial meal.
Honey BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Recipe: One Pan Honey BBQ Chicken
This is a healthy and nutritious meal that is easy to make with minimal clean up since it is one pan! One pan recipes are so convenient and this one is delicious!
Hamburger Ramen Noodle Skillet Supper
Recipe: Hamburger Ramen Noodle Skillet
This is a classic college meal of ramen noodles but with more nutrients, sustenance, and flavor! Plus, this is a very cost-effective meal and good for ‘next day’ left overs as well.
Taco Soup
Recipe: Taco Soup
This is such a staple meal for me! It’s cost effective and so easy to make. It tastes delicious and you can spice it up with some cheese, sour cream, salsa, and tortilla chips. Great for the colder months and is a larger portion so lasts all week.
Summary
These are all some favorites of my roommate’s and mine. Many of them only result in a few dishes and can be warmed up well. I also like these recipes because I can take them in one container to work or if I am on campus for the day.
Giving your body the proper nutrients and energy can increase a college student’s academic performance and overall attitude/mood. The days seem to always fly by and prepping one meal a week on Sunday evening has helped me ensure I am properly caring for my body.
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About the author
Lauren Blair
Lauren Blair is studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Spanish at Iowa State University. She gives tours of Iowa State’s College of Engineering to prospective students and their families through The Engineering Ambassador & Mentor (TEAM) program. Lauren has studied abroad in Valencia, Spain and interned with Burns & McDonnell engineering firm this summer. She is a member of the Honors College and is a member of the Iowa State Women’s club soccer team. She is also a Pearson Campus Ambassador at Iowa State. When not studying or being involved in campus events Lauren enjoys participating in SALT, a student ministry in her community, and cheering on the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals!
