Eating healthy with simple recipes

by Amanda Gorlewski

Many people take the easy way out when it comes to eating healthy.

People turn to fast food and junk food to save time in their busy schedule - especially college students.

"With school and work, it is sometimes easier and more convenient to get fast food," said Catherine "Cat" Ruszczyk, a Niagara University student. "Also during school, my eating habits are always poor just because I find myself eating late at night or always going to get food with my friends."

Even though people might have a busy schedule, they need to take time and come up with healthier habits.

"Eating healthy is something that you have to stick to," Ruszczyk said.

She is right. It takes time to become a healthy eater, but it is never too late to start.

There are several easy and healthy recipes that won't take much time out of your schedule.

One meal that is healthier than fast food is a chicken roll with asparagus. This recipe is less than 320 calories and is something that everyone will enjoy. It is a quick recipe that will take 20 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken cutlets, pounded thin and evenly
• 1 bunch of asparagus
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning meat
• Whole wheat bread crumbs

Directions

1. Sautee asparagus in olive oil until bright green. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
3. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Pat chicken dry and lightly season with salt and pepper.
5. Lie out chicken breast, arrange asparagus on top, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Roll chicken around asparagus and cheese; place seam down in baking dish.
7. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
8. Sprinkle whole wheat bread crumbs on top of chicken.
9. Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until chicken registers 160/165 degrees with a meat thermometer.

Another easy way college students can eat healthier is making a cucumber sub. It literally takes less than five minutes to make. Instead of making a sub with bread, replace the bread with cucumbers. This way you can enjoy a sub that is less than 245 calories.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers
• Turkey
• Mayonnaise

Directions

1. Cut a cucumber in half.
2. Put mayonnaise on one side of the cucumber and turkey on the other half.
3. Then put both sides together.

College students making these simple meals can save money and get into better shape.

"I would love to try these recipes," said William Salley, a Buffalo State College student. "They seem easy and something that this guy can actually do and not mess up."

Instead of going to a fast food restaurant or eating junk food, remember you can always go to a grocery store, instead, and get healthier options. It will save you money and make you feel better about yourself.

If interested in more healthy recipes, visit www.excellent-eats.com.