by Z. Blake

Created on: September 04, 2009

For students on the go in college it can seem very tedious to have to traipse back home to get lunch and even more so to have to make something before leaving in the morning. As a result many students are squandering what cash they have on eating in over prices college cafes. However, pre-made lunches can be quick, easy, tasty and healthy too.

So, if you are willing to set the alarm 10 minutes earlier and save some money, here are a few packed lunch ideas!

1) SANDWICH

Yes, I know what your thinking- it's boring, it's been done, it's uncool. But let me tell you now- it's timeless for a reason. A sandwich is probably the quickest and easiest snack to prepare for lunch and you can fill it with whatever takes your fancy. It's tasty and simply. What more could you ask from a packed lunch?

2) A WRAP/STUFFED PITA

This is a nice variation on the classic sandwich. You can stuff it with any filling you like and enjoy it later while you're on the go. It is very simple to make and can be put together in just a few minutes- perfect for the busy student.

3) SALAD

A salad is the perfect healthy lunch and it can be easily and quickly prepared and stored in a small food container to be eaten later. It doesn't even have to be the stereotypical rabbit food! For variation why not try adding chicken or having pasta salad or fruit salad? It'll fill the gap while you're on the go and leave you with that satisfied feeling of knowing you're eating well at the same time.

4) CRACKERS

Again, this is a nice simple snack that you can wrap up and take with you onto campus. You could try eating your crackers with cheese, humus, tuna salad, hardboiled egg, ham or even just plain old butter. They go with almost anything.

5) FRESH FRUIT AND VEG

It can be hard to eat healthy in college and the temptation to run and buy junk food for its convenience can be strong, so always pack some fresh fruit or veg for when you start to get peckish. Try carrot sticks, apples, oranges, celery sticks, bananas, pears, grape tomatoes, or whatever you like. Not only will it fill you up but it will help you on your way to five a day!

6) SNACKS AND BARS

Instead of chocolate bars why not try healthier options. There are many alternatives now like granola bars, fruit bars, cereal bars, rice cakes and many more. Keep an eye out for packs of these at the local store and buy a box for your lunches. Another good choice for a snack is popcorn. It makes a great alternative to crisps as it is far better for you with barely any calories at all. Why not pop your own at home and bring them onto campus in a sandwich bag to save some money.

7) LEFTOVERS

Another handy lunch that takes absolutely no preparation at all is bringing the leftovers of the previous nights dinner. Waste not want not as they say! This is both a quick option and a cheap one so instead of throwing out that slice of pizza or leftover potatoes save them for the next day and get your moneys worth.

8) SOUP

If you have a thermos for keeping it warm then soup can be a great lunch time meal that you can prepare before you leave in the morning. You can either buy the ready made kind to save even more time or make it yourself the day before. Then all you need to do is heat it up and pour it in before you leave and you're sorted. And why not pack a roll or some brown bread to go along with it?

Once you get into the habit of pre-making your lunches for college you'll start to come up with even more ideas for possible meals. You can add great variety to your diet by planning your lunch in advance and not only will you be allowing yourself to eat as healthy as you want to but you'll also be saving money! So give it a shot!

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