Now that temperatures are dropping and school is back in session, as a Coach, the most frequently asked question regarding any type of health related goal is, “How can I stay on track while I am in school?” The solution is so simple! Actually the word ‘simple’ is the solution.
As most of you know, I am an avid meal prepper, and I always try to make sure I have easy quick meal options available at all times. It only takes me roughly one hour twice a week to cook up a few options for the whole family to enjoy. Occasionally I will make a special meal that requires more time and effort, but for the most part, we always have food available. My top favorites are BBQ pulled chicken, ground beef or turkey, and fish along with either baked potatoes, rice, or quinoa. As for fresh fruits and vegetables, my basket is typically filled with apples, bananas, seasonal fruits, cucumbers, broccoli, avocado, or seasonal squashes.
Attending any type of school or college is never easy, especially when you are trying to stay on top of your health and balance a life outside your educational career. I know firsthand just how hard it can be, so I have come up with some ideas on how to simplify at least one aspect of it all!
Invest in a great backpack. I use my Expedition Backpack 500 from Six Pack Fitness that holds up to four meals, my laptop, books, two shakes, and all of my gym equipment I need for the day. It keeps my food fresh while I am in class and allows me to hold everything I need for the day in one convenient bag. 
Plan Ahead! I plan out most of my meals in advance, the evening prior to my long day ahead. If I know I am going to be gone for several hours, then I plan for how many meals I would consume while I am gone. I also have an extra baggie, or in my case, scoopie from Slap Nutrition, with protein powder just in case I am gone longer than planned or a meal has spoiled all of a sudden. I call this my EMERGENCY MEAL. Some days my schedule doesn’t require me to be gone much more than an hour, so on those days I don’t even bother packing extra meals. My Tuesdays require a lot more planning, however. These tips are not just limited to college students either; they are great tips to utilize for those individuals who work outside of the home as well.
Simple Meals. Choosing meals while you are out and about, on a time crunch, eating quickly in-between classes, or at your job should be something quick and convenient. I like to opt for salads, lettuce wraps, or rice cakes. I am a macro counter, so my meals are typically counted prior to consuming. These recipes are made for all types of fit individuals. They can be tailored to anyone’s individual needs or requirements!
The Ultimate Chocolate Molten Slap Frappe!
1 scoop Chocolate Molten Slap! Whey Isolate
1/2 cup Starbucks Iced Coffee
1/4 cup Coconut Milk
1 Tbsp Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
1 Tbsp Chocolate PB2 Powder from Bell Plantations
Handful of Ice
BLEND!
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Place chicken breast in crock pot on low setting for eight hours. Drain fat, add 2 Tbsp of BBQ sauce and shred. You can use this chicken in a lettuce wrap, whole wheat tortilla, pita bread, or alone as shown. 
BLT Wraps
Cook turkey bacon until desired crispness! Wash and pick a few Butter Lettuce Leaves. Load each wrap with tomato, avocado, or any topping as desired.
Frozen Grapes
Grapes are DELICIOUS after they have been frozen! You can eat them as is, or even throw them into a smoothie or shake for on the go.
I not only plan my meals ahead of time, I also make sure that I have my supplement regimen on board with me as well! I typically workout in-between classes if time permits or directly after my classes are done, so I always bring my essentials with me. I am all about cocktails when it comes to my supplements, and Slap! has just the right flavors to make the perfect combos for my taste buds! Gym essentials are also a must! I always have mine in the bottom of my backpack ready and waiting to be used. Bands and rings are the most convenient tools to tag along with you; they can be used in any setting regardless of how much time you have to break a sweat. My favorites are the Sling Shot Hip Circle and BForce Booty Bands. Go check them out!
Constantly staying organized and always being prepared will only make your life easier when it comes to staying on track while balancing exams, a job, kids, families, and whatever life throws at you. Choose foods that satisfy your own taste buds and add lots of variety when it comes to your fruits and vegetables. You can also keep these healthy snacks available while you are cramming for practicals or exams, and don’t forget to stay hydrated with lots of water throughout the day!
References:
protein because it has super clean ingredients, clean enough I trust them with my son, and they have great baking qualities. They are also lactose free!
