Being a student is tough. It is a constant battle between wanting to do well in school while also trying to have a semblance of some sort of social life. Personally, one of the main things I’ve struggled with throughout my studies is around the subject of food. More often than not, I along with my fellow postgrads have 8-10 hour days that are either filled with class, work or studying. And I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely not swimming in money. As much as I would love to buy lunch every day or pick up a Booster Juice on the way to class, I know that this isn’t the best way to spend my money.
For the past few months I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work at the Humber Fitness Centre, which has not only been a great outlet for my school/work-induced stress, but it has also taught me some great life hacks. One of those life hacks being meal prepping.
Now I know what you’re thinking, “meal prepping is only for those gym bros who live at the gym and eat chicken and rice for three meals a day”. Don’t feel bad because in all honesty, I thought the same thing. However, to my surprise, meal prepping has drastically changed many aspects of my life for the better.
Not only does it save you money in the long run, but it also ensures that you are consistently eating healthy which not only makes you feel good physically but also affects your mood and outlook mentally.
Below are some of my go-to meals that I prep ahead of time that have helped to get me through the long days on campus and have kept me energized and healthy!
Easy Peasy Breakfast Smoothie
–1 cup of Almond Milk
-1 scoop of Protein Powder (I love chocolate flavouryumm)
-1/2 cup of spinach
-1/2 of frozen fruit (or fresh fruit)
– one tablespoon of almond butter
– one tablespoon of either flax seed (great vitamin D) or Chia seeds
Morning Snack
-Hummus and cut up veggies (cucumbers, peppers, carrots etc.)
OR
-Apple and Almond butter
Lunch
Chicken and Sweet Potato Salad
–4 oz of chicken
– 4 oz of sweet potatoes
– combination of veggies
-Balsamic dressing
OR
Healthy Taco Salad Bowl
-4 oz of Ground turkey
– Chopped up lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers etc.
-A few crackers (My favourite are Mary’s Organic Crackers)
-Salsa
Pre-workout snack
-Simply Protein Chips (my obsession for the past few months)
Post workout meal
Chickpea and Tuna Salad
–1/2 cup of chickpeas
-One can of tuna
-Chopped up veggies
-Balsamic vinegar dressing
Nighttime Snack
Cinnamon and Banana Rice Cakes
–2 Original rice cakes
-Almond butter
-One Banana
-Cinnamon
Though it may seem daunting to start meal prepping, I can guarantee you that it soon becomes second nature. It not only speeds up your grocery shopping trips as you know exactly what you’re looking for, but it also helps to save you money in the long run and gives you more time during your week to do the things you really want/need to do. Remember, good habits are as addictive as bad habits, but much more rewarding 🙂
