Go-to Dinner Recipes for Busy College Students
Ellie Striebich
| 3 min read
Developing a routine in college that works for you is a significant task on its own, but having to weave in time for healthy meals can be intimidating. For college students, newfound independence can feel exciting and refreshing but sometimes daunting. How do you manage important responsibilities while staying healthy? However, managing meals, food prepping and budgeting can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Follow this guide for some of the best go-to recipes and tips for a busy college student.
Simple go-to recipes
Some of the best recipes are those that are simple and made from things you probably already have. Here are some quick and healthy recipes to keep you well-nourished on the fly.
Stir-fry
This delicious meal can be made with almost any vegetables and/or protein you might have. Frozen vegetables and meat are an excellent and convenient option as well. Sauté your favorites and add some soy sauce for a perfect nutritious stir-fry.
Pasta
A classic go-to meal like pasta with marinara sauce can be enhanced by adding vegetables and protein. Heat up your favorite pasta sauce and throw in a handful of spinach or kale. Chicken, ground beef and tofu are also simple to cook and add to pasta for protein. For a low-carb alternative, consider using spaghetti or zucchini squash noodles, which can easily be prepared in the microwave.
Quesadillas
This option is incredibly simple and tasty, especially if you have leftovers. Just fill a tortilla with your favorite cheese and any leftover vegetables, meat or rice. Heat it until crispy and pair it with salsa or sour cream and enjoy.
Stuffed pitas
Fill whole wheat pita pockets with hummus, greens, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, feta cheese and anything else you love. Protein can be added as desired as well as salad dressing for extra flavor. This meal could serve as a satisfying and portable lunch or dinner.
Lettuce wraps
Cook your favorite ground meat: turkey, chicken or beef and add your favorite spices. Wrap it in large lettuce leaves and add shredded carrots, diced onion or bell pepper and enjoy.
Prioritizing health
It can be tempting to skip meals or grab something quick on the go when you’re a busy college student. Juggling classes, assignments, work and social activities means being mindful of what you’re putting in your body. If you don’t fuel yourself properly, you can feel drained and exhausted. Here are some healthy habits that can help prioritize wellness amidst a busy schedule:
- Planning meals ahead of time
- Incorporating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into meals
- Maintaining a regular eating schedule when possible
- Replacing junk food snacking with more fulfilling options
Meal prepping
From transforming eating habits to saving time during a hectic week, meal prepping in college can be a game-changer. It’s an excellent thing to get in the habit of doing and here are some tips to get started.
- Set aside a time during the week that you can dedicate to planning your meals and preparing them for the next week.
- If you haven’t already, buy some containers with lids to properly portion out your meals once they are made. This makes it quick and easy to heat up meals in a mess-free way.
- Start simple with easy recipes that you feel comfortable with to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Cook larger quantities of staple foods like rice, quinoa, ground meats and roasted vegetables. This makes it easy to switch up meals daily and avoid eating the same thing every day.
- Stay organized and safe by labeling your containers based on what they are and when they were prepared. This will prevent you from eating expired or stale food.
