What I’ve found to be so simple yet, so challenging, in college is feeding myself. Gone are the times when healthy, Mom-cooked meals showed up on my dinner table, and now I find myself needing to find nourishment that won’t contribute to the Freshman –or, Senior– 15 and doesn’t break the bank.
Here are some staples of mine that I want to share with HC girls who are looking for simple things to cook that beat McDonald’s in the nutrition department.
BREAKFAST/SNACK: No-bake granola balls
I’ve spent hours comparing countless granola bar boxes looking for the healthiest choice, until recently I discovered I can make my own! This is a great snack because it is easily customizable (for other picky eaters out there) and you don’t even need an oven.
Ingredients:
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (I use Smucker’s Natural Creamy)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup dried/toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1/2 chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
Mix everything in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Note: You can substitute anything for the dry items, such as dried cranberries/raisins, nuts, cereal etc… Likewise, you can leave anything out except for the peanut butter and honey because that’s what makes it all stick together. Feel free to go crazy with this one!
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LUNCH/SNACK: Pasta salad
This one is so easy, it’s ridiculous, and it lasts all week!
Ingredients:
1 box spiral pasta (I use whole wheat pasta)
1 bottle Italian salad dressing (I use Great Value’s Lite Zesty Italian)
…that’s it! Basically you just cook the pasta according to the box’s directions, then drain and place in an airtight container. Add enough salad dressing to coat all of the pasta, and place sealed container in the refrigerator to cool. Once cold, feel free to eat in my signature style… straight out of the container.
DINNER: Salmon and broccoli with cheese
This isn’t really cooking… but I think it’s a good stand-by dinner plan.
I always have a bag of frozen salmon filets from Walmart on hand, which I bake according to packaged directions with some Lemon-Pepper marinade. For a side, I buy individual “Just-For-One” frozen broccoli with cheese, which can be microwaved. This meal is quick and doesn’t leave you with post-fast-food-calorie remorse.
Cooking for yourself is something I’ve learned to be extremely satisfying. Try these recipes and your skinny jeans will thank you and your mom will applaud you.