We've all been there: You've just woken up in your oh-so-comfy XL Twin dorm bed, you're hungry, and you can already tell that a bowl of cereal, ramen, or last night's cold pizza is just not going to cut it. So what can you do when you're craving a warm, healthy meal with only a microwave at your disposal? Keep calm, and scroll on.
I understand the cooking struggle all too well. Since becoming Miss Teen USA and moving to New York City to live, study, and work, I've had to adjust my daily routine without a kitchen full of cooking appliances and ingredients. Not wanting my healthy habits to slip, I've gotten creative with some of my favorite go-to recipes from home. Here are three of my favorites.
1. BREAKFAST: Apple Oatmeal Bowl
Give your apple and peanut butter combo a little update! Inspired by bread bowls filled with soup, this fun take on a breakfast staple will give you the perfect start to your morning.
INGREDIENTS:
π΄ 1 Red Apple
π΄ Cinnamon
π΄ Organic Honey
π΄ 1 Tablespoon Organic Peanut Butter (or if you're really craving something sweet, go for some chocolate hazelnut butter! Just avoid any nut butters with added sugar which could cause a post-breakfast crash)
π΄ 1/2 Cup Organic Oats
π΄ Water, to Cook the Oats
Optional: Chopped walnuts, raisins, or blueberries
DIRECTIONS: Cut the apple in half and scoop out the core. This should create your 'bowl'. Sprinkle on cinnamon and drizzle with honey. Place on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 1 1/2-2 minutes until apple is tender. Set aside on plate. In mug, combine oats, cinnamon, and water. Stir thoroughly, then microwave as directed. Begin to fill your apple bowl with a layer of peanut butter then add the oatmeal. Sprinkle cinnamon on top and add walnuts, raisins, blueberries or any toppings as desired.
2. LUNCH: Black Bean Wraps
This recipe brings a little Southwestern flare to your daily routine, and gives you that kick you need to help you slay the second half of the day!
INGREDIENTS:
π΄ 1/4 Can Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained
π΄ 2 Cups Spinach
π΄ Sliced Bell Peppers (Red, Orange, Yellow β whatever you prefer)
π΄ 1/4 Avocado
π΄ Low-Carb Tortilla
π΄ Salsa (make it HOT if you like a little kick!)
π΄ Corn, Rinsed and Drained From Can
Optional: Tuna, Blue Corn Chips
DIRECTIONS: Place a damp paper towel on top of the tortilla and warm in the microwave for 15 seconds. Set aside. Steam the spinach by placing in a bowl with water and microwaving for 2-3 minutes. Drain. Do the same for the peppers. Top the tortilla with the spinach, peppers, beans, 1/4 avocado, salsa, and corn. Roll. Spread another spoonful of salsa on top. If desired, crumble a few blue corn tortilla chips on top of the wrap. You can also add rinsed and drained white albacore tuna to the wrap for an extra dose of protein!
Feel free to round out lunch with some fresh fruit, or even a side of whole grain rice to fit in some healthy carbs. You can find microwavable packets of rice at your grocery store!
3. DINNER: Zucchini Pasta
Spaghetti dinners are staples at many dinner tables for a few reasons β they're delicious, filling, and oh so yummy. I've made this version packed with protein and veggies to round out the day with that extra boost of wholesome vitamins and minerals. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
π΄ Pre-Sliced Zucchini (Trader Joe's and other grocery stores have packets you can buy)
π΄ 2 Cups Spinach
π΄ Mushrooms, Fresh and Sliced
π΄ Veggie Burger (I love Boca's Savory Mushroom Mozzarella Patties!)
π΄ Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce (preferably one that doesn't have a ton of added sugar β Rao's is one of my favorite brands!)
DIRECTIONS: Place the zucchini in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Drain excess liquid and place on plate. Microwave the spinach and mushrooms in bowl with water for 2 minutes, then stir and place back in microwave with more water if needed until the spinach and mushrooms are tender. Drain and set on plate with zucchini. Microwave the veggie burger as directed and set on top of the pasta (think of it like the equivalent of a chicken breast in a chicken parmesan!). Top with marinara sauce.
Living in a dorm and away from home doesn't mean that you have to compromise eating healthy and delicious foods! With a little creativity, and sometimes a bit of trial and error, you can still enjoy all of your favorite meals β¦ even if you only have 10 minutes and a microwave.
K. Lee Graham, 18, is the reigning Miss Teen USA from Chapin, SC. She will be a freshman at the University of South Carolina Honors College in the fall.
From:
Seventeen
