A new year brings on the promise of a healthier lifestyle, but most fall short of this promise. Beginning a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be a death sentence, but more of an extension to the life you’ve been granted.
Many people decide to cut down on their sugar consumption which inevitably leaves them drooling whenever they see a chocolate-chip cookie. Other people join a gym and vow to work out until the soles are worn down on their brand new Nike cross-training shoes.
Another option for health is to make healthier choices when it comes to food. We’ve all heard Michelle Obama’s speeches on changing our eating habits, but as college students it can be hard to find healthy food on a budget while running to class. Food for college students has to be quick enough to make, easy to take and eat between classes and cheap enough for our already stretched budgets.
This is why ramen noodles and Taco Bell seem to be the average diet of students. Two simple but healthier alternatives to this are pita bread and fruit.
These two ingredients may not sound like a full meal, but with a few other ingredients they become very versatile, quick to put together, easily carried and, best of all, cheap. Here are some great recipes that are easy enough to make today.
For a quick breakfast or snack before class try this twist on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat pita bread round
2 heaping tablespoons natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons raisins
1/2 cup sliced or chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons pumpkin flax granola
Directions:
1. Cut pita bread in half and open bread halves to make pockets.
2. Spread peanut butter inside both halves of the pita bread.
3. In a small bowl gently mix the raisins, strawberries and granola.
4. Put half of the mixture into each pita bread pocket and enjoy!
Take these banana and peanut butter roll-ups with you to the gym for a protein boost.
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat pita round (a whole wheat tortilla works also)
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 banana
Directions:
1. Using a butter knife, spread peanut butter on top of the pita bread.
2. Place the banana near the edge of the pita bread and roll it up.
3. Cut the roll-up into 1/2 inch sections and enjoy!
Tomatoes are technically a fruit, and they make this Mediterranean treat extra flavorful.
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat pita bread round
1/4 cup garlic hummus
1/4 cup tomatoes (grape tomatoes are the easiest to use)
2 slices salami
Directions:
1. Cut pita bread in half and open bread halves to make pockets.
2. Spread hummus inside both halves of the pita bread.
3. Cut tomatoes into bite sized pieces.
4. Put one piece of salami into each half of pita bread.
5. Sprinkle tomatoes into each half of pita bread and enjoy!
This recipe is both sweet and savory, making it impressive to whip up for friends to snack on when they stop by.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons part-skim ricotta cheese
1 whole-wheat pita bread round
2 or 3 dried apricots
2 teaspoons sliced toasted almonds
1 teaspoon honey
Ground pepper to taste
Directions:
1.Spread cheese on top of pita bread.
2. Sprinkle the apricots and almonds on top of the pita bread.
3. Drizzle the honey all over the top.
4. Season with pepper and enjoy!
This dessert “pizza” is perfect for re-energizing on a study break.
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat pita bread round
¼ cup vanilla yogurt (try Greek yogurt for extra protein)
½ cup your favorite assortment of fruit
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Spread the yogurt on top on the pita bread using a butter knife.
2. Place the fruit on top.
3. Sprinkle with the dark chocolate chips.
4. Cut the “pizza” into triangle pieces and enjoy!