Question: What could I buy that's easy to prepare and adds variety to my diet?
I am a female college student and like many in my position, I have gained weight while being in college for the past three years. I find it hard to eat right because the cafeteria food is horrible and I don't have the time, resources or money to cook/eat properly. I typically eat whatever is easiest, which isn't the healthiest.
Do you have any advice about what I could buy that's easy to prepare/cook and adds more variety to my diet while being healthy?
Heather - About.com User
Answer: I remember college and the days of cheap raman noodles, boxes of macaroni and cheese and cans of chicken noodle soup. Here are some better ideas for cheap, healthy and easy to prepare alternatives:
- Delicious sandwich - 100% whole grain bread, canned tuna mixed with a small amount of lite mayonnaise, sliced tomatoes and lettuce.
- Heat up some frozen vegetables like green beans and carrots served with nutmeg and slivered almonds.
- Make a peanut butter sandwich with 100% whole grain bread.
- Whole grain cereals like Cheerios or Shredded wheat (not the pre-sweetened kinds) with low-fat milk and just a sprinkling of sugar or better yet, sliced fruit.
- Nibble on raw carrots, broccoli or raw green beans. They make great replacements for fattening chips. You can dip them in vegetable dips or even your favorite chip dip.
- Fresh fruits like apples, pears and oranges are easy to keep and taste great.
- Nuts like almonds and walnuts make delicious healthy snacks.
- Buy some salad stuff. Lettuce, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, cheese, and left over meat can quickly be combined into a variety of tasty combinations. Stick with low fat dressings, vinaigrettes or lemon and lime juice to sprinkle on top.
