Listen to Tara’s blog here.
This summer, I have been trying different recipes to cool down in the heat. But, as fall is rounding the corner and students are moving back to campus, recipes are getting a little warmer and cozier. But, it can be hard coming up with ideas for dinners or keeping food fresh.
If you are looking for ways to make use of your groceries, follow along as I share some culinary tips and my most-cooked meals.
Tara’s Quick Tips
1. Make Use of Your Freezer
Something I have learned from living in a dorm and apartment is that utilizing the freezer will save you time and money. As a busy college student with a changing schedule, grocery shopping for produce can be time-consuming and it can also go bad quickly.
One of my favorite things to do at the beginning of each week is to buy a large bag of mixed vegetables. With these frozen vegetables, I can incorporate them into each meal by adding rice, putting them in soup, or simply eating them as a side.
Having frozen vegetables in your freezer, you will be able to use them when you want instead of throwing away moldy or rotting produce. Some people like to steer away from frozen vegetables and fruits, but it is important to note that they have the same nutritional value as fresh produce!
Don’t be afraid to stock up on these items. They will be put to use almost every day!
2. Easy Meals on the Go
Sometimes, being in a rush is inevitable. Your alarm may not have gone off, your class may have gone longer than usual, or you are stuck in traffic. But, don’t worry because I have got you covered!
In my college house, my roommates and I always have food and snacks on hand that will be ready to go within seconds. Ensuring you always have some type of granola or protein bar is one of the biggest tips I can give to students. Packing one in your car, backpack, purse, or gym bag, will always come in handy.
For breakfast, I love to have some oatmeal with fruit. However, on rushed mornings, I don’t always have time to make a proper bowl of oatmeal. At any grocery store, you can find pre-packaged oatmeal that comes in a small to-go cup. Placing it in the microwave will allow you to have your breakfast in no time and make your way to class! One of my roommates, Olivia, loves to have some sort of shake or smoothie in the morning. Her favorite purchase at the grocery store is the Chobani yogurt shakes that are ready to drink as soon as you take it out of the fridge. Small snacks like these will help you prepare for the day or save you some extra time before getting in the car to get to classes!
3. House Favorites
Because this blog is all about tips and tricks to make sure your groceries are put to good use, I would like to share two of my favorite dinners to use what is in my refrigerator to make something filling and healthy.
One quick and easy meal to cook for dinner is a quesadilla! Though these are usually just filled with cheese or chicken, I like to spice mine up and use leftovers or any food that needs to be used before it goes bad. Reusing tomatoes or meat from the week is the perfect way to make a more filling quesadilla to enjoy.
Another easy meal that my roommates and I make almost three times a week is a simple rice bowl with vegetables and protein. If you are interested in this recipe, head to my Easy College Meals blog here! Whether it be salmon, chicken, or sausage, these bowls are always packed with protein and are another great way to use what is left in your fridge. You can also throw in those frozen vegetables you are keeping in the fridge!
It is important to make sure that when grocery shopping you have some of these staple pieces in your pantry and fridge. Living on my own, I have learned how to manage my groceries and make sure that I am not buying too much food that will go to waste.
Cooking in college is a learning process. It is okay not to have the exact portioning at the beginning or know exactly what you want to eat for the week. A good way to start this process is to utilize a grocery list when shopping. There are many apps that help you organize what you need for recipes and how much to buy.
If you are a student who is experiencing food insecurity, URI has options for you as well. Rhody Outpost is a great way to receive fresh food options and non-perishables. Head to the link here to learn more!
Move-in day is just around the corner which means you too might be living in a dorm and adjusting to your new schedule. I hope this blog will help you create new habits and be able to save up your groceries! Stay tuned for next week for my final summer blog!