It's been a long day of classes, and you’re hungry, tired and exhausted. The idea of making dinner may seem too cumbersome, and trust me, I get it. I am a professional chef (literally) and I still cannot bring myself to make a meal on most days. As tempting as it is to make a batch of instant ramen or order in, my tummy and bank account will disagree.
Making sure we eat well is a part of adulting, and it has too many benefits to count. You feel better, sleep better, and most of all, you’re able to tackle all your activities with actual energy rather than just adrenaline and caffeine, as the best of us are guilty of doing.
So, as a fellow student, I've listed a few tried and tested ideas you can use to amp up your dinner faves, to make them healthier and more filling.
- Hide veggies in your pasta sauces: If you have time over the weekend to meal prep, I’d recommend adding veggies to your pasta sauces and storing them for some healthy, instant dinner fixes. An example can be blending roasted peppers into your marinara sauce, or adding blended spinach to your pesto. This additional veggie boost can make your sauces more nutritious, and save you the trouble of chopping vegetables every time you cook.
- Include as much protein as you can: Whether it’s whipping up a simple beef mince, making some quick roast chicken in the oven, or simply adding eggs on top of your ramen or in your sandwich, make sure you always add some source of protein to your meals to help you feel fuller and more energetic the next day.
- Include fruit and dairy in every meal: Try to add cheese, cottage cheese or milk to your meals, or try having a glass of milk with your lunch or dinner. Furthermore, try to have some fruit as dessert after your meal, to make sure you get your vitamin and mineral intake for the day.
Amping up your meals is simpler than it may look, and with a little bit of planning, you can actually make tasty and healthy food for yourself. Try experimenting with new recipes or simply make the old ones better with a simple twist!