There is no room for denying it, college students are busy. But, with business comes poor eating habits as students throw away simple, cheap, and healthy choices for fast, easy, expensive to-go meals. But, with a little bit of meal-prep and practice, here are 11 easy foods that college students can take on-the-go, or can have prepped before-hand for a simple dinner:
1) Eggs
Let eggs be your best friend. These little guys are probably one the cheapest fresh foods you could buy from pretty much any grocery store. For just 70 calories, eggs give you six grams of protein and 13 essential vitamins and minerals. You can cook eggs multiple ways: fry them, bake them, boil them, all delicious!
2) Beans
Beans are a great way to get protein while hardly getting any fat. Beans can be prepared hundreds of ways, and are easy-going on the wallet, especially when you get them canned or dried. Not to mention the fact that there are so many different types of beans out there, you can literally make meals upon meals with delicious beans.
3) Rice
While rice is low protein and high carb, it makes up for itself in other ways. Not only is it super cheap to buy, it is super easy to cook and holds within it's little grain a dense amount of minerals needed for our bodies.
4) Potatoes
It may be just because I come from the "Potato State", but I absolutely could not live without potatoes. Being one of the cheapest foods around, you can also store them in a dark place and they will last for weeks. You find plenty of potassium and protein in these bad boys, as well as NO cholesterol! Potatoes come in different types and can be prepared plenty of ways. Enjoy!
5) Carrots
Carrots are more of a preferred taste, but definitely a must have if you enjoy them. You get Potassium and a TON of Vitamin A while chomping down on these delicious morsels. Eat them raw, or eat them cooked. Eat them plain, or eat them dipped. Do what you do, because with how inexpensive these guys are, you could eat them all day if you wished!
6) Yogurt
In all reality (unless you are lactose intolerant), who CAN'T like yogurt? Not only does it satisfy that sweet tooth in a healthier way, but in moderation it can be very good for you! With 17 grams of protein in a single serving, how can you say no?!
7) Frozen Vegetables
One thing I love about frozen vegetables is that they seem to keep forever in your fridge, while cutting out all the extra sodium that canned vegetables give you. The varieties are endless, and so are the combinations. Use frozen vegetables in a dish or just cook them as your main meal. Just make sure to eat your veggies!
8) Canned Tuna
I know that canned tuna has been getting a bad rep lately, but hear me out on this one. As long as you are not pregnant and limit how much you eat, tuna is pretty much essential for getting your omega-threes. Not only that, but each ounce is only 32 calories, and contains seven grams of protein! (Not to mention that you can share a bit with your kitty occasionally for a healthy treat!)
9) Bananas
When talking about to-go foods, bananas take the cake. Not only are they super cheap, but are practically made for a go-to snack. Sure, you can put these guys in many different meals, but my favorite is when it is just by itself, straight from the peel!
10) Popcorn
Popcorn is pretty much a staple for a lot of college students. Enjoy protein, fiber, and potassium as you much on this movie companion. Instead of buying pre-packaged popcorn, try buying in bulk and popping it yourself over the stove or in the microwave. This way, there are less calories and you can choose your toppings, all while paying a lot lower of a price!
11) Peanuts
While peanuts may be high in calories and fats, they are also high in protein. Peanuts are typically cheaper than other snacking nuts, and getting just dry-roasted peanuts will really put you in for a treat. If you need a quick pick-me-up while not wanting a crash afterwards, peanuts are the way to go!
