If you’re like me, you had to adjust to apartment living in the new school year. At just the right distance separating you from classrooms and study spaces, you’re also away from the dining hall (pro/con?–you decide.) Most of your meals are at the “home”, so you want to make sure they’re good for you and fuel your beautiful brain. Unfortunately, we can’t channel our grandmothers every night and make lasagna and superb chicken dishes because of our busy schedules! So, here are 9 simple meals that are perfect for apartment living/adulting in college!
Breakfast
Wake up just a few minutes early and make an awesome breakfast! Spice up those scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green peppers or even spinach leaves, and a dash of pepper. A simple fix, yet you’re including a few veggies for a boost to power your brain for that morning class. Add english muffins and a cup of coffee for a complete first meal of the day!
Don’t have that much time in the am? Don’t wake up until maybe 15 minutes you have to walk out the door? No problem! Have a bowl of cereal or even oatmeal and throw in some berries! If that’s not enough, make a small smoothie with frozen fruit, almond milk, and yogurt or protein!
Save the weekends to indulge in breakfast with your roommates. Because you have more time, make pancakes with chocolate chips or fruit! Savor the coffee, enjoy the pancakes, and reminisce on the night before!
I’m all about adding different things to my breakfast items like fruits and veggies! Take it from someone who is HARDLY super creative with food: it’s a great fix to make so you get in the habit!
Hint: Try buying at least 3 green peppers and a small, cardboard crate of grape tomatoes (can you tell they’re my favorite?) each time you’re at the store. They’re versatile for many meals and last a good time in the fridge.
Lunch:
So I cave in and usually get lunch on campus because I’m there during the day (bless Union!!) For those that aren’t, use this big break to whip up a great lunch, adding the fuel to your body to keep going that afternoon!
Quesadillas are another funky way to incorporate meat, cheese, and veggies (tomatoes, peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, etc.) They’re super quick to make… top it with some guac from the fridge or dip in it hummus!
PB and Jelly *or bananas*: You probably forgot the goodness of PB and J’s, but I have such an appreciation for them now! Toast the bread and pair it with a side of pretzels or an apple and you’ve got an upgrade to your lunch from the 2nd grade.
Salads can be a great lunch too, and you can easily buy the mix PRE-MADE! That’s music to my ears! Just add meat (chicken, tuna, turkey, etc), various veggies (carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, olives, mushrooms), and olive oil or other desired dressings! Throw in some dried craisins or other cut-up berries to try add a little variety to those traditional salads!
Dinner:
After a long day of classes, you probably want to have a quick meal and call it a day…No! Make the last meal! You don’t have to go crazy!
Straight up: Minute Rice (if you haven’t heard of it head, get on that) is going to become your savior. Individually packaged rice cups, which you can find anywhere, that goes in the micro for (girl–you guessed it) a minute! I usually pair it with Steam-Fresh veggies or just chicken for a good meal! Sprinkle some black pepper, parmesan cheese, and drizzle olive oil instead of butter and you got a great meal!
Hint: If you do the rice and veggies, you’ll end up with a big portion. When it’s all together, put some in tupperwares until you think it’s enough for yourself. You can have it 2 nights from now as a quick option (just not too long in the fridge!) You are now Meal-Prepping!! In addition, the frozen chicken is sold at Trader Joe’s (BLESS that place.) You can put two strips in the oven and it doesn’t taste weird like other brands.
Sunday nights are amazing for Meal-Prepping. As a break from catching up on OTH or Friends, laundry, and homework, make a big pot of pasta (probs whole box or half) and Steam-Fresh broccoli. You’ll have probably 2-3 tupperwares of meals, not including the meal tonight. Bam! You’re takin care of yourself for the days of the week!
Get your roomies together one Tuesday and make a fun meal like Tacos or Shrimp Scampi! These are great for leftovers for everyone and add a little variety to your week. With taco night, each roomie can be responsible for a different part of the meal, bringing it all together! With Shrimp (or Chicken) Scampi night, there is already pre-package spices and ingredients you can find in the store–just defrost the shrimp/cook the chicken and add the pasta!