Being a student often requires that you are on campus, away from home and a kitchen for the majority of the day. As a result, it is so easy to give in to the temptation of greasy fast food or to skip lunch altogether. However, this will only make situations worse as you will be left feeling bloated, grumpy, and lethargic. Or, you will be hungry and unable to focus on anything except how badly you would kill for a burrito.
Don’t sabotage yourself. Love yourself instead, plan ahead, and pack yourself a nutritious and delicious lunch using the ideas below. You’ll thank yourself when you’re full and focused in class.
1. Salads
I know what you’re thinking. Salads are boring. They’re tasteless. They’re a million other not-so-appealing adjectives, right? Wrong! Salads are easy. They’re delicious, and they’re super healthy (most of the time)! When it comes to salads there are so many options! They range from mason-jar salads that you can make ahead and keep overnight to healthy chicken salads smeared on a sandwich or whole-grain crackers, to a good old spinach or lettuce salad you can easily toss together into a bowl before leaving the house. The list is endless so you’ll never get bored! The secret is to pick from any variety of whole grains including rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes. Then, add leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula, top them with a variety of sliced fruits and veggies. Finish off by adding crunch with nuts and seeds, and flavor with a healthy dressing with a moderate fat content and low in sugar. Be adventurous, mix up your combinations and reap the healthy benefits!
2. Sandwiches
We’ve all packed sandwiches since our grade school days. It’s a classic staple in any lunchbox, and you know what they say, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” However, while there’s nothing wrong with a simple turkey and cheese or PB&J don’t be afraid to switch it up! Sandwiches get a bad rap for being unhealthy but if you keep the calorie content of the bread low and fiber high (or skip the bread altogether and opt for a lettuce wrap) then load up on lean meats, veggies, and healthy fats such as avocados or hummus then you’ve got yourself a nutritious, filling, and convenient lunch staple!
3. Variety Boxes
Personally, I’m a grazer. I like a variety of options, and I get bored with just one thing. This is when snack boxes or bento box type lunches come in handy! Packing items such as carrots, peppers, and celery keep your meal vibrant and full of nutrients. Then, add items such as turkey roll-ups or hard-boiled eggs for protein to keep you full and focused. However, don’t forget to mix in nuts, seeds, trail mixes, and popcorn to munch on. Finally, I like to finish by adding in any variety of fruit from apples, oranges, raisins, and grapes to cure my sweet tooth, but don’t be afraid to sneak in a few pieces of chocolate or any other sweet every once in a while! Keep things fun, switch up your food, and indulge a little!
