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SALT LAKE CITY — Attention college students! If your every waking moment is claimed by hours spent in classes, traveling to and from said classes, doing loads of homework, and trying to keep a full-time job to pay for it all, you're not alone.
In fact, when it's all said and done, who has time leftover to spend in the kitchen, slaving over a delicious, healthy meal? Unless you have a private chef or spend buckets of money eating out every day, chances are you have a variety of instant meals living in your cupboards.
So we ask, is it possible to eat healthy while saving time and money? We took our challenge to dietitian Stephanie Parker, who says eating healthy isn't as difficult as we think it is.
We hit up Smith's Food & Drug to find a healthy alternative to the traditional "go-to" mac-n-cheese. When shopping for pasta, Parker says whole grain is best. It's high in fiber, which helps you feel full longer. When selecting a sauce Parker recommends looking for one labeled heart smart or light. It will have fewer calories and less sugar.
Looking to add meat to the dish? Parker says "usually lean versions of ground beef are … much more expensive than a lean, ground turkey, which is healthier."
To finish the dish, a vegetable; "you can either put it right in with your pasta or on the side," Parker says. Buying frozen is not only cheaper but will last longer as well.
We purchased the recommended items and prepared a healthy meal complete with all the elements a college student needs to sustain their busy lifestyle while only spending $9.14. In less than 15 minutes we had enough dinner to last an entire week. Next time you hit the grocery store keep these few healthy tips in mind and mix it up. Pick a different sauce or vegetable to add variety to your meals. It's not a complete healthy overhaul, but it's a great start.
For more great fall recipes click here. Jenniffer is a Special Projects Producer who heads up the Your Life Your Health, Zero Fatalities and High 5 initiatives. For questions, feedback or possible story ideas, please email jmichaelson@ksl.com.
