Grabbin' Grub on the Go

It's May… The library is filling up with more bodies; the line at Peet's is getting a lil' obnoxious in length and aside from the aroma of anxiety, coffee and the late spring cold sneezing there will be fast food. That easy to grab, fits perfectly in your hand fast food. Dollar menu, value meal, latte, you name it and it's there.

I am far too familiar with that fast cheap meal on the go diet during the last month of every semester. It just makes sense to make a quick run to whatever drive-thru establishment, pillage through my coin stash and purchase the quick and college affordable meal. This was all good until reality set in and those meals may do wonders for the instant gratification to fill my belly but afterwards it just me feel blah!

So, I've taken it upon myself for this semester to attempt a different routine. I do still make an occasional trip to a fast food joint but I've tried new things as well. Like maybe wager that chicken something sandwich with an actual sandwich from a sandwich shop. Baked chips vs Salty greasy ones. Juices and water instead of soda. Exchange coffee drinks for teas.

My next change was preparation. At the beginning of my week I would plan out meals and different snacks that were on the go and delicious. What made it affordable was getting a grocery store discount card. It's free to sign up and I've saved a few bucks because of it.

Now why am I sharing about my food adventures? Because I've found that there is some good behind the theory of eating healthier or planning your meals ahead. I have more energy, I'm motivated to do work instead of nap, and I don't feel gross after I'm done eating. I didn't do this on my own. I did some research and asked some friends who have a background in healthy living and I modified what I made or packed into something that I enjoyed.

I hope that my routine can help in during your finals week.

First I make some meals that will last the whole week. Usually spaghetti because it's something that can be made in bulk and last a while.

Next I plan out snacks for the week and separate them in ziplock baggies:
Fruit: Grapes, bananas, apples, cherry tomatoes
Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, celery
Sandwiches: Peanut butter & Jelly, Banana and Peanut Butter, Turkey, Ham
Snack Packs: Jello, Greek yogurt
Miscellaneous: string cheese, dry cereal, granola 

These are just a few things that I like to whip together before heading out to class or to the library but maybe you have a different taste for the same idea. It always feels like it will be too much to get food ready but in the long run it's cheaper and the energy you get will be worth it. I hope you've found this helpful.