Quick Meal Fixes in College

Kids in college never have any time for anything - especially cooking. So when it comes down to what they eat, they realize that mom isn't around to cook that delicious dinner anymore, and they begin to eat out every night. One night becomes two, two nights becomes a week, a week becomes a month, and before you know it, the whole semester has gone by and he's filled his stomach with nothing buy Pizza Hut.

One main issue that kids need to be worrying about is time constraints. As a college student, you have to be able to balance a very busy study schedule with the ability to still have a life. Many colleges offer meal plans, but if you didn't buy one (because you didn't like the food or because of pricing), then you really have no choice but to buy your food every day. Although this saves a lot of time, it's unhealthy for your body and your wallet.

The second and main issue is healthiness. Especially in this day and age where 50% of the population is overweight and trends are showing no sign of slowing down, it is imperative that college students take control of their own health. The best way to do this is to cook their own meals. When college students order out, they don't see all of the oils, sugars, and fats that are going into their foods. With the ability to cook for themselves, taking control of a diet is much easier, as they have the power to choose what ingredients go where. Here are 2 easy ideas for a quick meal:

Chicken Finger Dinner

Many grocery stores have precooked chicken tenders that are microwavable. There are uncooked ones that come in a huge bag as well. Just put the chicken tenders in an oven, bake for about 20 minutes, and come back to get them. It's a good idea to buy some leaf spinach and make a vegetable portion, as well as some rice to have some grains.

Braised Pot Roast

Cut excess fat from a piece of boneless beef chuck roast and rub it all over with the Cajun seasonings; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put it in a food storage bag or bowl; seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

In a large pot or braising pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat; add onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the onions are tender and browned. Add the mushrooms and peppers and cook for about 3 minutes longer. Remove the vegetables to a plate and turn the heat up to medium-high. Sear the seasoned roast on all sides. Add the cooked vegetables, wine, and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until reduced by about one-third. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 3 1/2 hours. Add the potatoes and continue cooking for about 30 to 45 minutes longer, or until the potatoes are tender. Since this dish takes about 4 hours to make, you can prep it, go to class, and come back to a full meal. If you make a large enough portion, it might even last you for the week!

When you buy ingredients/pre-made food to eat, remember that stores and markets on campus should be a last resort. They are there to target students who cannot find a ride or buy groceries off campus, so they raise their prices high to empty your wallet. A gallon of milk at a college market can cost as much as $5.00. Always ask a friend or take public transportation to a real supermarket such as Kroger or Publix. These places will not only offer fresher foods and a wider variety, they are cheap. With drinks, it's not a bad idea to buy bottled water in bulk, or a water purifier to install to your sink.

It's really easy to keep a good diet and eat good food. If you can, find time to cook your own meals, as there is a real joy in being able to do something productive. Your mom won't always be there to cook meals for you, and you can't expect to eat out every night. A $10 meal for 3 meals a day calculates to almost $11,000 a year. You could buy a car with that much money. Saving is earning. Also remember to eat your food in portions. When you find time to cook, cook more during that session so you can store it in the fridge and come back to eat it later for other meals.