A Day of Eats for a Student at the University of Maryland

By Shelby Santin: RBA Intern

I am a student at University of Maryland studying Dietetics to eventually become an RD!  I hear often that people have a hard time fitting in time to eat with their busy schedules and finding healthy options in a hurry can be difficult! Here is a typical day of eats for me. The way to manage eating healthy on a busy day is by planning ahead and being creative!

I wake up at 6:15 to meet Alex to go running at 6:45 before our class at 9. I usually eat a banana with peanut butter and drink a big glass of water.

After I shower and get dressed for the day, I eat breakfast. I try to have a protein and carbohydrate source with breakfast to re-fuel after my work out. Yesterday I had a hard-boiled egg, which I made this weekend to eat for breakfast a few times this week. Also, I had some oatmeal that I made in the microwave. If I am running late one morning I will grab something quick and eat it on my way to class/work such as a bagel with peanut butter or granola and an apple.

I have class all morning and a short half hour break at around 12:00, which is when I eat lunch. I try to find time to pack my lunch the night before because I have more time than in the morning and I’m more willing to put effort into my lunch when I’m not tired and rushing around. Yesterday, I packed a cheese and turkey sandwich with roasted red peppers and lettuce, an orange, and some baby carrots. I pack some extra snacks such as dried apricots, triscuits or almonds to have on hand if I get hungry before I get home from class and work.

At around 3:30-4 I have a snack while I’m at work because I know I won’t be eating dinner until 7:30 or 8. Today I had a small pita bread sandwich with sprouts, hummus and cucumbers.

For dinner I usually don’t have time to make an extravagant meal so I just eat something quick. Check out 10-minute dinners for some quick meal ideas! Last night, I cooked dinner with my friend we pulled our produce together and made a delicious vegetable soup. It only took about 20 minutes and we just used whatever veggies we had – celery, carrots, onions and peppers. They we added navy beans and noodles. It was really nice taking a break to catch up with a friend and food always tastes better when it’s shared.

 

How do you find ways to eat healthfully with a busy schedule?