In the hectic life of college life, students may forget how important it is to eat healthily. In addition, many students may consider healthy eating too expensive, resorting to cheap and unhealthy food from fast-food restaurants or supermarkets. But the truth is, there is healthy food for college students that is both cheap and delicious. Eating healthy on a college budget is not only possible, but it can also be downright delicious. For those nights when the dining hall isn’t taking your name, try making one of these healthy recipes in your dorm room.
So here are five recipes that are not only vegetarian but also easy to whip up and for Indian students abroad on a budget using pantry staples with affordable ingredients that you can find at specialty or local supermarkets:
Veggie Omelette
Eating eggs is a great way to get protein in your diet. The best way to add fiber and more vitamins and minerals to your breakfast omelet is to add vegetables to it and you have a nutrient-rich breakfast that will keep you full until the next meal. You should follow some healthy cooking tips, eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up on your favorite foods.
Ingredients: 2 eggs, vegetables of your choice (spinach and mushrooms are great to add to omelets and they are very healthy)
Directions: Beat an egg in a bowl and add spinach to it. Fry together in a pan. If you are adding mushrooms, it is best to fry the mushrooms first and then add the beaten eggs to the pan. Seasoning your omelet properly can also give your health a boost. Add some black pepper, paprika, cumin, etc. to your breakfast omelet to speed up your metabolism.
Peanut Butter, Blueberry, and Oats Energy Class
These one-bowl, no-bake energy classes ensure a quick way to refuel during long meetings, tough workouts, or a mid-afternoon energy slump.
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter, cup pure maple syrup, 2 cups rolled oats, toasted, cup dried blueberries, cup chopped pistachios, tsp salt
Directions: Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging on two sides. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray. Combine peanut butter and maple syrup in a large bowl. Combine oats, blueberries, pistachios, and salt. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Cut into 16 squares and have it.
Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a great healthy food for students to enjoy. Chicken gives you a boost of protein and vegetables provide you with all the nutrients your body is craving.
Here’s a great chicken salad recipe: Cooked chicken pieces, lettuce or other greens (spinach is super healthy), cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and an olive oil and lemon salad dressing or vinaigrette. It’s best to skip heavy cream dressings as they are loaded with extra calories.
Curd Rice
Curd and rice is the combination you never knew you needed in your life.
So simple and delicious, it is no surprise that it is a hit among Indian vegetarians from South India. Indian students abroad can make it by simply mixing pulped or over-cooked rice with curd/curd and salt, then adding tempering spices like mustard, asafoetida to taste. Urad Dal, Curry Leaves, Green Chillies, Onion, and Ginger. You can also add grated carrots.
Veggie Fried Rice
You need some cooked rice for this recipe. You can use leftovers from a previous meal or takeaway. Ingredients: Cooked rice, cooking oil, 1 egg, mushrooms, frozen peas, 1 clove garlic, 1 piece ginger, 1 Tbsp soy sauce
Directions: Take a frying pan, put some oil in it, and heat it on high flame. Break the egg into the skillet and mix it a little with a wooden spoon.
After about 2 or 3 minutes (once the egg is cooked), take it out of the pan and keep it for later. Cut the mushrooms into pieces and chop the ginger and garlic into small pieces. Put the pan again on the flame and add chopped garlic, ginger, and mushrooms. After about 5 minutes, put the peas, egg, and cooked rice back in the pan and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir and dig in soy sauce.
The Conclusion
The average college student is often pressured for time, under a lot of stress, and eating on the go. You may find it difficult to avoid bad habits such as skipping meals or frequent fast-food restaurants. Eating a healthy diet helps you feel better, cope with stress, and perform better in class and on the athletic field. Thus, the aforementioned are some easy and fast making recipes for college students.
