In a place where you are prone to sickness and fast-paced days, it’s hard to keep your health as a priority. Eating healthy foods can be tough for us gals who are lazy or feel like we don’t have enough time in the day to accomplish everything we need to. One of the worst things that can happen in college is getting tired or sick from not eating properly, and I am here to figure out how to make healthy eating easier, faster, and more attainable! Keep in mind, I am not a dietician nor an expert, I am just a lazy gal on her journey to a healthier future. So join me as I share my 6 quick tips for healthy eating.
1. What’s on the menu for breakfast?
My go-to quick healthy breakfast is oatmeal because it can be a rich source of carbs, protein, and fiber. I opt for the Quaker Instant Protein Oatmeal which has 10g of protein per bowl! It takes a total of 2 minutes to make and it comes in a wide variety of delicious flavors.
If you’re a coffee drinker, try to cut back on the half/half, milk and heavy creamers. This summer, I transitioned to plain black coffee by weaning myself off the creamer and just adding milk and sugar. Slowly but surely my body started to alter cravings and now, after 4 months, I only crave black coffee in the morning! (This tip will also save you a TON of money at coffee shops).
2. What are easy healthy snack options?
Fruits and veggies are always a good alternative to chips! I love an apple or banana with peanut butter. I eat some baby carrots if I’m craving something crunchy! These are super easy to bring along to classes to keep you on track for the day.
Smoothies are my absolute favorite snack because you can turn a bunch of unappetizing healthy stuff into a delish drink. I recently made an unlikely tasty smoothie I like to call,
“That’s So Random”
1 apple
5 baby carrots
Handful of spinach
1 Spoonful of peanut butter
1/4 cup of milk
Ice cubes
It took a total of 7 minutes to chop and blend all this goodness. It may still sound unappetizing for veggie haters but I swear that peanut butter overpowers the whole smoothie and makes for an awesome snack!
3. Are there healthy pre-packaged snacks?
If I am looking for something tasty, protein-rich, and easy to toss in my bag, I go for a Clif bar! They have a ton of flavors that are pretty much sold everywhere if you forget yours at home.
My brother introduced me to Real Fruit Bites and Crunch Dried Snacks. Both can be bought in bulk on Amazon and all you need to do is open the package… happy snacking!
4. Looking for simple big meals?
My go-to easy peasy recipe for a quick lunch or dinner is
“Eggs and Veggs”
2 eggs
Milk
Pre-washed spinach
Carrots
Start by cracking 2 eggs in a bowl, mix in about 4 tablespoons of milk and stir. Now, get out some of your pre-washed spinach (yes, that exists and it’s a savior) and rip it up in the bowl. If you’re looking for some color or crunch, cut up some carrots and throw them in the bowl. Pop it on the stove-top until fully cooked or zap it in the microwave for 3 minutes and serve!!
Congratulations, in less than 10 minutes, you have a full-fledged meal!
5. Can microwaveable foods be healthy?
Food that comes in microwavable bags is great for folks who want to eat healthily but are horrible cooks or just too lazy to cook.
A variation to “eggs and veggs” is to follow the same process but top it off with rice! My favorite is the rice that comes in a microwavable bag and is ready in under 3 minutes! I will usually do this if I’m looking for more carbs, before a workout or a long night.
Tasty Bite is another brand that also makes microwavable bags. My favorite is the madras lentils that are ready in 2 minutes! It’s a type of bean that is a great vegetarian alternative to chili, rich in protein and iron. I would pair this with a piece of healthy toast like Organic Dave’s Killer Bread with 21 Whole Grains and Seeds.
6. Food for thought, thoughts on food
I am still on my journey to healthy eating and learning new things every day. I encourage you to start one as well! After you start feeding your body the right foods you will have more energy and feel more in control of your life. This is because what you feed your body, literally does control your life. Let that sink in for a second.
Remember you are beautiful just how you are, and changing your eating habits is not to lose weight or to change your image. If you choose to change your diet, do it to feel great, not to “look good”. Changing your eating habits is about bettering your health, for yourself!
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