Choosing to further your education takes hard work, dedication, and focus. It is imperative that students prioritize their time so they can successfully balance schoolwork with their personal lives. One way to help busy students save time during the week is meal prepping.
East Ohio College (EOC) understands that many of our students must provide for their families and also have other responsibilities aside from college. Preparing healthy meals in advance can help busy students save time and money so they can focus on their studies and families. Keep reading to discover how you can start meal prepping and some of our favorite make-ahead meals for busy students!
Why Should You Meal Prep?
Preparing meals ahead of time is an excellent way to ensure you have a healthy food option to eat during your busiest days. For example, you know you have several evening activities on a specific day. In that case, a frozen make-ahead meal can be put in the oven and warmed up to help save time and energy. This can help you avoid eating fast food out of convenience, saving you money.
Having nutritious meals will help support your physical and mental health without the stress of cooking every day. As a student, fueling your brain with healthy foods can make a lasting difference in your academic abilities. The American Dining Creations found that students who ate poor diets had lower grades, poor memory and concentration, lack of energy and focus, and a disrupted sleep schedule; all things that busy students want to avoid.
How To Prepare Balanced Meals
Eating nutritious and balanced meals can help your performance in school and lead to healthy eating habits throughout your life. According to MyPlate, a balanced meal consists of fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy. Incorporating these food groups into your meal prepping can help you form meals that help you stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn.
MyPlate also offers a free online quiz to help you discover what portions of each food group you need to make every bite count. Knowing this information can help you adapt recipes to fit your individual needs. East Ohio College gathered eight of our favorite simple meals, which are great to make in advance and can be modified to meet your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Keep reading to discover your next favorite meal!
East Ohio College’s Meal Prepping Ideas
Breakfast
- Overnight Oats by Food Network
Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious breakfast option. Once you have a solid base for your oats, you can create your own flavor combination and include your favorite fruits, spices, and spreads. Starting your day with grains, fruits, and proteins will set you on the right track for a focused day.
- Muffin Tin Omelets by Eating Well
Another easy grab-and-go breakfast meal is mini omelets that incorporate protein, dairy, and vegetables. These muffin-tin omelets are simple to prepare at the beginning of the week and freeze, then warm in the microwave when you need a healthy breakfast quickly.
- Breakfast Casserole by Sally’s Baking Recipes
This breakfast casserole is an ideal option for those who need a meal with several servings that take little time. The simple base for this recipe includes dairy, protein, grains, and vegetables, making it a delicious way to get most of the food groups into your breakfast.
Lunch
- Chicken Cobb Wraps by Better Homes & Gardens
This quick and easy lunch wrap combines protein, veggies, dairy, grains, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced option for busy students on the go. This recipe yields eight freezable wraps, making it an accessible option for the days when you need a quick but nutritious lunch.
- Instant Noodle Cups by The Kitchn
The infamous cup of noodles has been a staple in college students’ households for years, and this homemade alternative is not only more nutritious but also fully customizable. Combine your favorite noodles, meats, vegetables, and sauce, and you have yourself a healthier version of cup noodles.
Dinner
- Taco Casserole by Eating On A Dime
Any casserole is a great option to make ahead of time and warm up when you need a quick dinner. This taco and rice casserole is a delicious, budget-friendly option.
- Chicken Alfredo Bake by Make-Ahead Mom
This chicken alfredo bake offers the feeling of a cozy, freshly cooked meal without the stress of putting it together at once. It can be divided into single servings to eat throughout the week or frozen whole for the whole family to enjoy.
- Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers by Taste of Home
These unstuffed peppers are a simple way to incorporate protein, veggies, grains, and dairy into a single meal. This recipe works well with ground chicken, turkey, or beef, and a variety of vegetables, making it a balanced meal that you can adjust to your taste.
Focus On Your Future!
East Ohio College hopes these eight recipes will help busy students save valuable time and money. Eating a balanced diet full of nutritious foods can help you maintain your physical and mental health and be ready for your academic journey.
EOC is here to help you further your education. Our accelerated training programs are ideal for students who want to start new careers in allied healthcare, nursing, or professional services quickly. Request information today to get started!