Furthering your education requires hard work, dedication, and focus. Students must prioritize their schooling while also managing their personal lives. Meal prepping can help you save time during your busy weeks.
Boardman Training Center (BTC) understands that many of our students have families and other responsibilities. Preparing meals in advance can help busy students have food for themselves and their families. Keep reading to learn more about how to start meal prepping and some of our favorite make-in-advance meals for busy students!
Why Should You Meal Prep?
Preparing meals in advance is an excellent way to ensure you have healthy and simple meals to eat during your busiest days. For example, preparing food on Sunday will allow you to have meals ready for the week.
Having nutritious meals ready can help support your physical health and mental well-being without the stress of cooking every day. Preparing meals in advance can also prevent skipping meals or resorting to fast food while busy with school work or clinicals.
How To Prepare Balanced Meals
Eating nutritious food can help your school and career performance. According to MyPlate, a balanced meal includes fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Incorporating these food groups into your meal planning can help you form meals that align with your lifestyle, goals, and budget.
MyPlate also offers a free online quiz to help you learn what portions of each food group you need to make every bite count. Boardman Training Center gathered our eight favorite simple meals that are great to make ahead of time; keep reading to discover your next favorite meal!
BTC’s Favorite Easy and Healthy Meals
Breakfast
- Muffin Tin Omelets by Eating Well
These easy mini omelets are a great way to incorporate protein and vegetables into your breakfast on the go. Simply prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, freeze them, and then warm them in the microwave when you need a healthy breakfast that’s easy to grab and go.
- Overnight Oats by Food Network
Another easy breakfast option is overnight oats, which you can make and modify to your liking. Starting your morning with grains, fruits, and proteins will set you on a good start for the day. Once you have the base for your oats, you can play around with flavors and make your own unique combinations.
- Breakfast Casserole by Sally’s Baking Recipes
If you need a make-ahead breakfast option that will yield many servings with little time and preparation, this breakfast casserole is for you. It is also adaptable to your likes and what food you have on hand.
Lunch
- Instant Noodle Cups by The Kitchn
These ramen noodle cups are a homemade alternative to the infamous cup of noodles that can be fully customized to your taste. Add your favorite veggies, meats, sauce, and noodles, and you have yourself a healthier version of cup noodles.
- Chicken Cobb Wraps by Better Homes & Gardens
This quick and easy lunch combines protein, veggies, dairy, and healthy fats in a wrap. The recipe yields eight freezable wraps, making it an excellent healthy option for busy students.
Dinner
- Chicken Alfredo Bake by Make-Ahead Mom
This alfredo chicken bake gives the cozy feeling of a freshly cooked meal without the stress of putting it together at once. The dish can be frozen and eaten at once or divided into single servings to last throughout the week.
- Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers by Taste of Home
These unstuffed peppers are a simple way to get protein, grains, and vegetables in one meal. Swap out the ground turkey for beef or chicken, and add your favorite veggies for a balanced meal that can be easily portioned.
- Taco Casserole by Eating On A Dime
Another great make-ahead dish is a taco and rice casserole. This recipe is flavorful, simple, and adaptable to any budget.
Focus On Your Future!
Boardman Training Center hopes these recipes help busy students save time and money. Eating a balanced diet full of nutritious foods can help set you up for academic success, reduce stress, and better manage your time.
BTC is here to help you further your education! Our accelerated healthcare training programs are great for students who want to start their new careers quickly. Get started today by contacting the Boardman Training Center by calling 330-729-9244 or requesting information.