Furthering your education requires hard work, dedication, and focus. While in school, students must prioritize their time so they can successfully balance their education with personal and work obligations. One way for busy students to save time is by meal prepping.
United Career Institute (UCI) understands that many of our students must also provide for their families and have other responsibilities aside from school. Preparing healthy, balanced meals in advance can help busy students save time and money so they can focus on their studies and families. Read on to learn how to start meal prepping and about some of UCI’s favorite make-ahead meals for busy students!
Why Should You Start Meal Prepping?
Preparing meals ahead of time is an excellent way to ensure that you have healthy meal options to eat on the busiest days. For instance, if you know you have a particularly busy evening, reheating a frozen meal can help save time and energy by not needing to cook a meal from scratch. Meal prepping can also help you avoid eating fast food out of convenience, which is beneficial for your health and wallet.
Having nutritious meals at the ready will help support your physical and mental health without the stress of needing to prepare food every day. As a student, fueling your brain with healthy foods can make a lasting difference in your academic career. The American Dining Creations found that students who ate poor diets received lower grades, had poor memory and concentration, a lack of energy and focus, and a disrupted sleep schedule, all things that busy students must avoid.
How To Prepare Balanced Meals
Eating nutritious and balanced meals can help your performance in school and help you develop lasting healthy eating habits. According to MyPlate, a balanced meal consists of vegetables, fruits, protein, grains, and dairy. By incorporating these food groups into your meal planning, you can form meals that help you stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn.
MyPlate also offers a free online quiz to provide you with information on how to portion each food group to help meet your individual needs and goals. United Career Institute gathered eight of our favorite simple make-ahead meals that can be modified to meet your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Keep reading to discover your next favorite meal!
United Career Institute’s Meal Prepping Ideas
Breakfast
- Breakfast Casserole by Sally’s Baking Recipes
This breakfast casserole is an excellent option for those who need a meal that provides several portions and takes little time to prepare. The base for this recipe is simple and includes several essential food groups: dairy, protein, grains, and vegetables, making it a delicious way to incorporate most of the food groups into a hearty and filling breakfast.
- Muffin Tin Omelets by Eating Well
Breakfast on the go is necessary for many busy students, and these muffin tin omelets are a simple way to get protein, dairy, and vegetables into the day’s first meal. These muffin tin omelets are easy to prepare, freeze, and reheat as needed.
- Overnight Oats by Food Network
Another grab-and-go breakfast option is overnight oats. Once you have a base for your oats, you can create your own flavor combinations to include your favorite fruits, spices, and spreads. Starting your day with grains, fruits, protein, and dairy will set you on the right track for a focused day.
Lunch
- Instant Noodle Cups by The Kitchn
The infamous cup of noodles has been a staple meal in students’ households for years, and this homemade alternative is not only healthier but fully customizable. Combine your favorite noodles with meats, vegetables, and sauces to create a more nutritious version of cup noodles.
- Chicken Cobb Wraps by Better Homes & Gardens
This quick and simple lunch wrap combines protein, vegetables, dairy, grains, and healthy fats to provide a well-balanced option for busy students. This recipe yields eight freezable wraps, making it an excellent option for days when you need a quick but nutritious meal.
Dinner
- Chicken Alfredo Bake by Make-Ahead Mom
This chicken alfredo bake gives the feeling of a delicious, freshly cooked meal without the hassle of putting it together and baking it at once. It can be divided into several servings to eat throughout the week or frozen whole for the whole family to enjoy on a busy evening.
- Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers by Taste of Home
These unstuffed peppers are an easy way to incorporate protein, grain, veggies, and dairy into a simple dinner. This recipe works well with ground beef, chicken, or turkey and various vegetables, making it fully customizable to your and your family’s tastes.
- Taco Casserole by Eating On A Dime
Another simple casserole dish that can be made ahead of time is a taco casserole. This flavorful taco and rice meal is an easy, delicious, and budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Focus On Your Future!
United Career Institute hopes these eight meal prepping ideas will help busy students have time and money. The importance of maintaining a balanced diet full of nutritious foods can help you be ready to take on your academic journey.
UCI is here to help you further your education with our accelerated healthcare training programs. Get started on the path to your new future by requesting information today!