Recommended for you
During my college days, I had a, shall I say, toxic relationship with food. It became a problem. While there’s nothing wrong with gaining the classic freshman 15 (in fact, it's an expected part of the college experience), I ended up gaining the freshman 30. While I’m a huge advocate of the body neutral movement, at a certain point, weight gain stops being about self-perception and aesthetics and starts being about overall health.
My rapidly-gained pounds prevented me from engaging in all the energetic activities I used to love. I started sleeping in late, found it more challenging to invest in my studies, and felt all-around more lethargic than usual. Needless to say, I was a hot mess, and my diet was the number one culprit for this decline in my overall spirit.
With this in mind, I’m now a huge advocate for high-quality and nutritious meals that are easy to make without sacrificing the taste and nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.
Here's my go-to list of the 8 best healthy and easy Trader Joe’s meals that college kids can whip up in a matter of minutes!
Alex Ravvas / PEXELS
Ezekiel Bread Turkey Sandwiches
When I need a super quick meal that is filled with nutrients and is as healthy as it is delicious, I always go for sandwiches made with Ezekiel bread. I just pop these slices in the toaster with turkey slices and mayo. It’s delicious with some Tabasco sauce and sprouts as well, if you’re looking to get all fancy.
Trader Joe's
Butter Chicken + Basmati Rice
This classy meal is high in protein, which is ideal to keep you full and energized hours after eating. It’s oh-so delicious as well as nutritious, which will make it hard to believe that it came straight from a frozen box at Trader Joe’s. Much healthier (and tastier) than those greasy pizza slices at the dining hall.
Marco Antonio Victorino / PEXELS
Roasted Potatoes + Peppers
One of the reasons my health took a dive so significantly in college was simply due to the severe lack of fruits and vegetables in my diet. This combo is the perfect way to incorporate healthy veggies and starchy nutrients into your meals. It’s delicious, and actually tastes like real food compared to all the processed meals you’re likely consuming.
Trader Joe's
Air-Fryer Chicken Tacos
If you’re a human being with a beating heart, there’s a good chance you love tacos. You can now spice up your Taco Tuesday with these mouthwatering air-fryer mini tacos that come together in under 15 minutes. What’s not to love?
RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS
Easy BBQ Chicken Wraps
I love quick and easy meals that leave me feeling stuffed without the unfortunate bloat that comes from most processed meals. That’s where these Easy BBQ Chicken Wraps come to the rescue, which are the perfect option for when you’re running in between classes and don’t have the time to whip up a gourmet meal.
Trader Joe's
Japchae Korean Glass Noodles + Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir fry is the perfect college meal, since it keeps you full for hours after consuming. Plus, since it’s so filling, you’ll likely have leftovers ready to serve for your next meal, or the following day. This Japchae variety from TJ's is utterly mouthwatering and tastes like it came straight from the kitchen of a high-quality Korean restaurant.
Trader Joe's
Steamed Pork + Ginger Soup Dumplings
These delicious dumplings are a great way to add protein and healthy carbohydrates to your diet. I love nothing more than scarfing down dumplings after a crazy night of drinking, and these store-bought servings are utterly perfect for this!
Trader Joe's
Chicken Fiocchetti
This healthy combo of chicken and veggies will taste just like mom’s home cooking, yet with an extra flavorful kick. Utterly delicious, nutritious, and quick to whip up in between classes!
Subscribe to our newsletter to uncover even more easy meal ideas!
