Bringing packed lunch doesn’t have to stop once you reach college. In fact, this is actually the time where you need it the most since you will be bombarded with school works that you won’t have time to buy your own meals. Additionally, having your own packed lunch can prevent you from overindulging in fast food and unhealthy snacks. With that said, I have here a list of 15 healthy college lunch ideas that are easy to prepare!
College is a fun yet a stressful chapter in a teenager’s life. Students are constantly on the go, balancing classes, studying and socializing. Eating unhealthy foods can quickly take its toll on their energy levels and moods. That’s why it’s important for students to pack healthy lunches and snacks to keep them going during the day. See also Snacks Or Drinks For A Teenagers Party.
Best Healthy College Meals
When you are in college, you barely have time to make food on your own. Some may opt to grab a bite from a food truck or the cafeteria, but most of the time these meals are not healthy.
College meals don’t need to be complicated. One good meal you can prepare are chicken and vegetable wraps. All you need is some cooked chicken, vegetables of your choice, and whole wheat tortillas. Another healthy option is a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole-grain bread. If you have time to cook in the morning, try oatmeal with fruit or eggs with toast.
If you are looking for quick and easy snacks to take to class, there are plenty of options that are both healthy and delicious. trail mix, yogurt, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and carrots with hummus are all great choices. These snacks will give you the energy you need to make it through the day!
Homemade College Meals
Some students have enrolled in a college or university which are near their homes. With that, they can make their own meals when they have the chance before leaving for school. Homemade college meals are not hard to make and usually doesn’t require a lot of time
One way to make a healthy college meal is by making a simple stir-fry. All you need is some cooked rice, vegetables of your choice, and some cooked protein such as chicken, shrimp, or beef. Another great option is quesadillas. Just cook some chicken or beef and mix it with some shredded cheese and salsa. Then put it between two whole wheat tortillas and grill until the cheese is melted.
With a little bit of creativity, you can easily come up with healthy college meals that are both tasty and nutritious!
Healthy College Meal Ideas on a Budget
When you’re in college, it can be tough to find time to find nutritious food on a tight budget. However, with a little bit of creativity, you can easily make healthy meals that are both affordable and delicious.
One great option is to cook a big batch of quinoa or brown rice on the weekends. You can then use this as the base for a variety of different meals throughout the week. For example, you could mix in some vegetables and cooked chicken for a simple stir-fry, or make a hearty burrito bowl with black beans, corn, and salsa.
Another affordable and healthy college meal option is sandwiches. You can get creative with your sandwich toppings, and choose from a variety of whole-grain breads and spreads. Some of our favorite combinations are peanut butter and bananas, tuna salad, and grilled cheese.
With the right ingredients, you can easily create healthy and affordable college meals that will fuel your body and mind!
Easy College Meals to Make
Students who have extra spare time from school should be able to make meals for themselves. Cooking meals doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, there are easy ones you can do .
One example is preparing a simple breakfast. Cook some eggs on the stovetop and serve them with whole grain toast. If you have more time, you can make pancakes or waffles from scratch
For lunch, you can make a sandwich or salad. Salads are easy to customize with any ingredients you have on hand. And for sandwiches, you can use a variety of breads, spreads, and meats
If you’re looking for something quick and easy to make for dinner, pasta is always a good option. You can cook it al dente in just minutes, and then top it with your favorite sauce and vegetables. Another great option is grilled chicken or fish. These meals are simple to prepare and only require a few ingredients
What should be in a college meal?
College students need as much energy they can get for studying and attending classes. This is why they should know what college meals they should have. Here are the three main components of a good college meal:
1) The main dish should be a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. This will help to give you energy throughout the day
2) Drink plenty of water! Dehydration can lead to feeling tired and sluggish, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
3) Make sure to eat breakfast! Skipping breakfast can make you feel tired and unfocused in class. A healthy breakfast can provide you with the energy you need to start your day off right.
So now that you know what should be in a college meal, it ’s time to start cooking! These recipes are simple, affordable, and most importantly, delicious. Try them out and see for yourself how easy it is to create a healthy college meal!
Is it better to buy a meal in college or make one?
This will depend solely on how the student’s schedule goes. However, making a college meal is always preferable because it is tailored to the person’s dietary needs and wants. Buying a college meal may not be as fulfilling.
Making healthy snacks are important for college students because they provide energy and nutrients that help you focus in class. Some good options include nuts, seeds, fruit, yogurt, and whole grain crackers or toast. Try to avoid sugary snacks, which can cause a blood sugar crash later on in the day. And be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated!
The bottom line is that college students don’t have to subsist on unhealthy meals just because they are busy. There are plenty of healthy options that can be prepared in a short amount of time. By packing healthy lunches and snacks, students can ensure that they have the energy to succeed both academically and socially. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed by college, don’t forget to fuel your body with healthy foods!
15. Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This Chicken Shawarma Recipe is loaded with flavor and one of the easiest and most delicious Mediterranean recipes to make at home. Chicken marinates in a simple spice blend and cooks in the oven or on the grill until perfectly tender, juicy and golden brown.
Check it here.
14. Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Shrimp Ceviche – This No Cooking Required Mexican-inspired ceviche recipe is light, fresh and full of flavor. Citrus marinated shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, avocado and jalapenos make the most delicious and easy to make ceviche ever!
Check it here.
13. Vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad ~ The perfect summery dish! It’s fresh, satisfying and takes less than 30 minutes to make too.
Check it here.
12.
This Ultimate Vegan Chili is thick, hearty, and meaty! It’s loaded with veggies, beans, warm spices, and savory meat crumbles. It’ll keep you cozy and satisfied during those chilly days, too! This recipe is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for potlucks!
Check it here.
11. Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe (Vegan)
This Sweet and Sour Tofu is one of my favourite comfort foods ever of my favourite takeout! The tofu is crisp with a perfect texture and the sweet and sour sauce is unbelievably delicious! It comes together quickly and tastes amazing as meal prep too!
Check it here.
10. Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich
Don’t you just love a crisp sandwich with a smoky kick mixed with the smooth, nutty taste of avocado? Then you are going to enjoy this drool worthy Vegan Tempeh Sandwich. It’s a whole lot healthier than your traditional BLT, but you’re guaranteed to be just as satisfied after your plate is polished off.
Check it here.
9.
These are the most amazing vegan zucchini corn fritters you’ll ever have. Crispy and delicious, they’re perfect as a side to a nice fresh salad, or dipped into your favorite dip! If you’re craving some good vegan fried food, then look no further.
Check it here.
8. Keto Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad No Mayo Recipe
This yummy Keto Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner on a low carb diet! Plus it’s so simple and quick to make! We love chicken and avocado recipes, but this one has to be the best!
Check it here.
7. Keto Egg Salad
Keto egg salad is a delicious and easy lunch idea when you’re not in the mood to cook! It’s super versatile and you can even add in bacon and avocado!
Check it here.
6. The Best Chicken Salad Recipe
The Best Chicken Salad Recipe should not only be quick and easy, but packed full of flavor just like ours! This keto chicken salad can be made using rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, grilled chicken or freshly cooked chicken.
Check it here.
5. Dairy Free Whole30 Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
This Whole30 Potato Salad is about to become your new favorite side dish! This dairy free potato salad recipe took me from potato salad skeptic to potato salad lover. It’s super easy, creamy, crispy, and savory!
Check it here.
4.
This easy Quinoa Salad Recipe is fresh and delicious! Quinoa, veggies, avocado & dill are tossed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious summer salad! It’s a vegan, paleo & gluten-free salad that’s perfect for BBQs & potlucks!
Check it here.
3.
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad recipe has no mayo and is packed full of nutritious ingredients! It takes 5 minutes to prepare and is a great way to use leftover chicken! Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner!
Check it here.
2. Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans (and a Little Rant About Using Quality Ingredients)
Pasta and beans, or pasta e fagioli, is a quick and easy, inexpensive, nutritious and delicious meal that the entire family will enjoy. Children especially love it. Don’t let it’s simplicity fool you; this is an authentic Italian recipe for pasta and beans.
Check it here.
1.
Make the halloumi wraps that everyone loves – kids and foodies included! – and be the star of your next picnic or road trip. With halloumi cheese, red pesto (store-bought is fine), avocado and walnuts these wraps are packed with flavor, done in 20 minutes and super easy to make.
Check it here.
15 Healthy College Lunch Ideas | Back To School Recipes
Bringing packed lunch doesn't have to stop once you reach college. In fact, this is actually the time where you need it the most since you will be bombarded with school works that you won't have time to buy your own meals. Additionally, having your own packed lunch can prevent you from overindulging in fast food and unhealthy snacks. With that said, I have here a list of 15 healthy college lunch ideas that are easy to prepare!
Ingredients
- CHICKEN SHAWARMA RECIPE
- SHRIMP CEVICHE RECIPE
- VEGAN MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD
- THE ULTIMATE VEGAN CHILI
Instructions
- Choose any Healthy College Lunch Ideas from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Healthy College Lunch Ideas and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.