We’ve all been there. You come home from a long day of classes, and the last thing you want to get straight to is cooking. So what do you do? You either order takeout or eat unhealthy snacks from the vending machine.
Both of these options are not good for you and can be expensive. In this blog post, we will discuss some healthy and affordable meal ideas that you can cook in minutes!
What Should Students Cook When They Don’t Have Time to Cook?
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Living on your own for the first time can be an exciting but also challenging experience. One of the biggest challenges for many students is learning to cook for themselves.
When you’re used to eating meals prepared by someone else, it can be difficult to know where to start. And when you’re juggling classes, work, and social life, it can be tempting just to order takeout or eat cereal for every meal.
However, there are plenty of quick and easy recipes that you can make even if you don’t have much time or experience in the kitchen. With a little planning and some creativity, you can learn to cook delicious and nutritious meals that will help you stay healthy and save money. Below are five tips on what to cook when you don’t have time to cook.
Try Quick and Easy Recipes That Only Require a Few Ingredients
You do not want to spend hours in the kitchen cooking a complicated meal that has a million ingredients. That is why quick and easy recipes are your best friend when you don’t have time to cook.
There are plenty of recipes with ingredient substitutions that can be made in 30 minutes or less, and many of them only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
So next time you’re short on time, try looking for quick and easy recipes to make. You’ll be able to find something that looks and tastes great without spending hours in the kitchen.
Some quick and easy recipe ideas include:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese
- Omelets
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup
- Salad
Cook Meals in Bulk and Freeze Them for Later
One way to save time in the kitchen is to cook large batches of food and then freeze the leftovers for another day. This is especially helpful if you know you’re going to have a busy week and won’t have time to cook every night.
Cooking in bulk can also help you save money by buying ingredients in larger quantities and taking advantage of sales. Plus, it’s always nice to have a home-cooked meal on hand when you’re feeling too lazy to cook.
Some recipes that freeze well include:
- Lasagna
- Macaroni and cheese
- Burritos
- Meatballs
- Muffins
- Cookies
To freeze your leftovers, simply place them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for a maximum of three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the food in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in your microwave or oven.
Take Advantage of Convenient, Healthy Food Options Like Pre-packaged Salads and Sandwiches
This is more like taking advantage of the best essay writing service if you do not have enough time to complete assignments. Ideally, just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you must sacrifice healthy eating. There are plenty of convenient, healthy food options that you can take advantage of when you don’t have time to cook.
For example, instead of stopping for fast food, you can pick up a pre-made salad or sandwich at the grocery store. These are usually just as quick and easy as fast food, but they’re much healthier for you.
Other healthy, convenient food options include:
- Yogurt
- Fruit
- String cheese
- Nuts
- Hard-boiled eggs
So next time you’re feeling pressed for time, remember that there are plenty of healthy and convenient food options that you can take advantage of. You don’t have to eat unhealthy fast food just because you don’t have time to cook.
Invest in a Quality Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
A slow cooker or Instant Pot can be a lifesaver if you find yourself short on time. These appliances allow you to cook meals quickly and easily without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, they make it easy to cook large batches of food so that you can have leftovers for another day. Some of the best recipes to make in a slow cooker or Instant Pot include:
- Soup
- Stew
- Roast
- Chicken
If you don’t have a slow cooker or Instant Pot, you can also check to see if your local grocery store has any pre-cooked meals that you can heat up. These are usually just as quick and easy as cooking from scratch, but they don’t require any prep time.
Prepare Your Own Snacks and Meals to Take With you on The Go
One way to make sure you always have something healthy to eat is to prepare your snacks and meals ahead of time and take them with you on the go. This way, you’ll never be caught without a healthy option when you’re feeling hungry.
Some easy snack ideas include:
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Nuts
- Veggies and dip
- String cheese
- Air popcorn
By preparing your snacks and meals, you’ll always have something healthy to eat, even when you’re on the go.
So there you have it: a guide to eating healthy when you don’t have time to cook. By following these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, even when you’re short on time. So next time you’re feeling pressed for time, remember that healthy eating is still possible. Just take advantage of quick and convenient food options, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy diet.
