Maintaining a Healthy Diet on a Busy Schedule
By: Ramis
Balancing school, friends and a part-time job while trying to maintain a healthy diet can often feel like an overwhelming challenge. However, it is possible to plan, prepare and make meal prepping something that will save students time, money, and energy! Preparing meals can be very effective to students, especially those who are living on campus alone or with several roommates.
If you’re dealing with limited cooking equipment, a small kitchen space, tiny fridges, and tight budgets, don't worry—meal prepping is still totally achievable. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and real-life strategies for meal preparation, tailored to the hectic lifestyle of a Sheridan student.
Breakfast hack: Add chia seeds and honey into your overnight oats to make it taste a little bit tastier and healthier!
1. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are my go-to meal to prepare for my breakfast! They are easy, healthy and don’t involve cooking. The only thing you’ll need is a jar, rolled oats, milk (soy, almond or coconut milk if you’re non-dairy) and your preferred toppings such as fruits, nuts or seeds.
2. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad can be a great option too. It’s important to eat a light yet nutrient-dense meal during the day, so a healthy and balanced lunch is essential.
The great thing about this salad is that it can be made in large batches, making it perfect for multiple days’ worth of lunches. Even if you have a small kitchen or if you are you living in a small household, it’s more suitable for you because you just need to boil the quinoa, mix the ingredients and your meal is ready!
Pro Tip!
Toss the quinoa with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherries, tomatoes, and spinach, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also put some chickpeas or grilled chicken to create a delicious, protein-packed meal.
“I find quinoa a perfect choice for the base of this salad because it’s fairly high on protein, but still remains fresh in the fridge for at least three days.”
This meal is beneficial due to it being rich in protein and carbohydrates to help you get through a long day of studies or your classes.
3. Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls
This delicious meal is an excellent choice and a fantastic addition to your diet plan. Simply roast chicken breasts and sweet potatoes with a side of spinach, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar or your favourite dressing for a quick and delicious meal. These foods are less expensive and easy to prepare for a large group of people.
Feeling Hungry?
If you’re craving more food-focused blogs, let us know! In the meantime, you can satisfy your appetite with our SSU Hungry content on Instagram, OR if you’re looking for new recipe inspiration and food-related hacks, check out these blogs!
Want to know which study snacks your SSU leaders can’t get enough of? Whether you choose your study snacks based on taste, calories, or health-related reasons, bite into this blog and find out if certain snacks are better for your study sessions! 🧠