When you are a grad student, weekends take on a whole new meaning. Especially when you are nearing your Defense Date. Weekends become those enjoyable 2 days where you can be in the lab all day with no one around to distract you. (I really think I might be the only person in my building right now.) Also, you get to park anywhere!
Working on campus is certainly not the most ideal way to spend your weekends, but this time of year is crunch time. You may think you have plenty of time to finish everything, however something will always come up. Other students are defending, taking their comprehensive exams, and celebrating their victories and you’ll want to take time out of your day to attend or celebrate with them! Certainly others be doing the same when it’s your turn at bat.
Once you are sucked into research and thesis writing to this degree, it becomes harder and harder to find time to feed yourself. You may find yourself drawn to fast food and junk food, because of its convenience. But, if you make time in the mornings and evenings to prepare snacks and meals in advance, you may still have enjoyable, healthy food to keep you going.
Here are a few tips and ideas that have helped me:
Prepare Ahead of Time
I can be very bad about just wanting to lay down and relax after the day is over. However, I also want to lay in bed until the last possible moment the next morning. Something has got to give. How hard is it to whip together tomorrow’s lunch though? A sandwich. A salad. Some quinoa and whatever delicious things are around the kitchen.
Snacks
Try bringing some of these with you in some reusable containers:
- cut up veggies and hummus
- chips and salsa
- peanut butter and apples
- crackers and spread
- hardboiled eggs
Leftovers
Never underestimate the power of leftovers. Getting full while dining out? Don’t keep eating just because its there, ask for a box or some foil. BAM – tomorrow’s lunch. Also, don’t be afraid to make a recipe larger than you’ll need for that meal. You can store it in meal sized containers that are easy to grab for lunch on campus.
Crock Pot Breakfasts/Dinners
Slow cookers can be your best friend. All you have to do is throw a bunch of ingredients in and when you get home dinner is waiting for you. I’ve enjoyed making vegetarian chilies, pasta sauces, curry, and beans in my crock pot. I also have a list of recipes waiting to be tried. Including an apple pie oatmeal.
Questions of The Day:
What do you do for meals during your busiest days?
Will you try any of the tips here? Tell me how it goes!
Sweet Tea, Science 