I'm a grad student studying for finals right now. This means I'm in the library all day and all night, till about 12, 12:30. I need a dinner idea that I can make quickly in the morning and bring with me to school. Any ideas? Also, I have a subway relatively close, and I think that may be my go to fast food stop.
Nice. Thanks. Would you recommend keeping the frozen breasts in tupperwares or those freezer bags? I know it's a silly question, but I almost never cook.
I don't know if you have access to a microwave during the day, but chili is always my fall back food. I make a quick and easy chili that is super filling, and low calorie.
Quick and easy chili
1lb of ground turkey (buffalo if I can get it fairly inexpensive)
2 large cans of crushed tomatoes
4 cans of black/kidney beans
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 c onion
1/2 tbsp cumi
3 tbsp chili powder
salt-to taste
Brown meat, add garlic and onion. Sweat onions until clear. Add everything else. Simmer for 1-2 hours uncovered.
There is almost always a few containers of this in my freezer. For awhile I was making this weekly, then eating every day for lunch.
Most colleges will have a microwave available someplace but it may not be convenient for you. If you can get to the microwave you have more options. If you take meat, put it in a lunch bag with a freezer pack.
*You could take a recooked Mesquite Chicken Breast Fillets in a lunch bag with a freezer pack to keep the fillet cold. I buy them at Walmart. Combine with a light wheat bun for a chicken sandwich.
*Morning Star frozen veggie corndog
If you can't use a microwave you could carry those packs of tuna that do not need refrigeration.
With or without a microwave you can carry carrots or other veggies, and a piece of fruit.
Thanks everyone. I do have a microwave at school - no fridge though. Amanda, that chili recipe sounds great. I even have ground turkey in the freezer now. I'm going to make that in the next day or two and tell you how it goes.
I'm trying to find foods that will help me feel satiated all day, so I don't run to the vending machine. I'm also planning on not bringing any cash with me to school for the next couple of days, as that will prevent me from using vending machines.
I buy the already prepared (cooked) chicken breast strips by Pilgrim's Pride. They are tasty and very lean.
In a pinch I will eat canned soup. You can eat the big can of Campbells Veggie Light soup--the whole thing--for 100 calories and throw your chicken in too.
Last edited by Thighs Be Gone; 04-21-2009 at 10:39 PM.
Another idea too that keeps me satiated is boiled eggs--I just throw out the yolks. They are only 17 calories each for the white. Another idea is a small handful of raw almonds--15-20. They are 7 calories each and are remarkably filling to me.
Wrap with smoked turkey, feta cheese, lettuce, peppers and onions
Green apple with 1 slice of swiss cheese
Yogurt with frozen cherries, walnuts, 1T mini chocolate chips and raw oatmeal mixed in. The frozen cherries are thawed by the time I eat it at noon. Keeps me full forever!
2 large pretzel sticks with 1 slice of hot pepper havarti cheese
Clementine oranges
Coffee thermos with sugarfree hazelnut creamer...I couldn't stand coffee until I discovered creamer....if only I had known during 8 years of college!
I keep high protein Marathon bars in my vehicle in case of emergency. If I drink a bottle of water with one of these bars it keeps me full for 4 hours.
Celery...keep in a cold pack container so it's cold and crunchy.
Almonds,walnuts, peanut butter, hard boiled eggs soaked in vinegar then seasoned
Hope this helps....I remember the late night studying! Best wishes.
The key for me is organization...having the items on hand and packing the night before since I'm always in a hurry in the AM.