As students, we tend to prioritize studying over everything else. Though this usually proves beneficial to our GPAs, sometimes we forget to prioritize our own well-being. Time that could be spent sleeping, eating, or exercising is usually devoted to studying, especially during midterm season. As a break from studying, sleeping or relaxing serve as the preferred activity (let’s be honest, Netflix is usually involved).
In talking with other students, I have noticed that preparing food, grocery shopping, and cooking are usually at the bottom of their to do lists. Eating well and eating enough is fundamentally important to the health of a student. Academic performance is stronger when you have food’s energy and nutrients to help.
I used to skip meals or go for a quicker but less nutritious food option simply because it would take less time. Time that I didn’t spend studying was usually dedicated to napping or to re-watching episodes of Downton Abbey. As a second year student, I no longer have the Dining Commons as a resource for food or convenience. I live in an apartment with a kitchen that I didn’t spend much time in, unless it was boiling water to make pasta again. Cooking my own food was either a chore, or a waste of time that I could have spent doing, well, anything else.
I noticed after a period of time that my energy levels were low. Taking naps often made me more tired, and the quick meals or snacks that I would eat throughout the day were not making me feel energized, or full. Realizing that caffeine in the form of CoHo iced coffee, however delicious it may be, would not completely restore my energy level, I decided to reevaluate my eating habits.
It was then that I made the decision to start making more nutritious decisions when it came to food, and began cooking for myself more frequently. Rather than buying pre-made or microwavable meals, I decided to prepare and cook as many meals as possible for myself. Honestly, even browsing for recipes on Pinterest is a great way to spend time, or procrastinate.
I still go out to dinner, and sometimes I do have to buy food based on convenience. I am not saying that every meal has to be homemade. But, cooking doesn’t have to be an inconvenience or a chore. Turn on some background music and take your time and enjoy the process. Here are some tips:
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Start small. Not every meal has to be a homemade one, or an extravagant one. At first, perhaps try making lunches for yourself the night before. It may even cost you less money than purchasing lunch on the go.
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Experiment with your own recipes. It may take a few tries, but inventing your own “staple” recipe feels like a great accomplishment.
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Try making versions of your favorite take out foods. You may find that making your own tastes just as good.
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Cook with friends! This is great fun and can result in a number of laughs.
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Ask other people for their recipes. I got a few recipes from my mum, a goddess in the kitchen. I make versions of the same foods that she used to make as a student. It also gives us something else to bond over. A lot of our text messages consist of me sending her pictures of what I have made, I think she is proud. Asking people that you know for new recipes is a great way to discover new tastes.
I cook for myself as a way to reward my body. It is something that I no longer see as a waste of time, but precious time that I take for myself. Not only does cooking provide sustenance, but it gives my brain a rest from thinking about essays and assignments. Cooking is fun, and it makes me feel good. What’s not to love? Ok maybe doing the dishes, but other than that, it’s a recipe for success… that pun was awful… I apologize.
Happy cooking, collegiettes!