Eating Healthy As a First Year Law Student

I made healthy eating one of my main priorities for law school. In no way am I a dietician or expert, nor am I perfect! I am not a great chef either. I know that my body works best when I fuel it with things that make me feel good. My brain works better, and I feel better overall. I really LOVE food. My world revolves around food… No joke.

Besides my study abroad experience, law school has been the first time I have lived away from my family. My mom always taught my sisters and I how to cook when we were younger, so I didn’t go in completely blind. I have so much to learn when it comes to cooking for one in an efficient and cheap way.

Trader Joe’s is my all time favorite grocery store because you can find healthy options for low prices ($5 wine anyone?). They also have specialty and seasonal items that make me so happy! You have to be careful, though, because Joe can drain your wallet QUICK.

Shopping for one is hard. Especially on a budget! I have learned to buy ingredients that can be used for many meals, such as fresh spinach, feta cheese, eggs, and beans/ rice. I don’t follow any specific diet, but I do find myself eating certain foods more than others.

Breakfast

I eat a lot of eggs! Spinach, feta, and tomatoes are great to have on hand to throw into eggs. They are so versatile, too. I make my omelettes into sandwiches with mustard. Russet potatoes are also a cheap side.

I cannot live without my coffee! I am currently limiting myself to one a day, because during law school finals, I was up to three or four cups a day. Oops. My small Keurig is in my room, which is way cheaper and quicker than Starbucks everyday. I use low calorie creamer or almond milk when I’m not feeling just black coffee.

I eat greek yogurt with honey most mornings before school! It’s also a great sweet treat. Fage is the best greek yogurt out there, in my opinion, but I only tend to buy it when it is on sale.

Stocking Up

I share my apartment with three other ladies, which can make eating healthy more challenging. Our kitchen is huge, but I like to stock up on dry foods when I can for the days I am too busy to go shopping. I like to stock up on cereal, oatmeal, canned beans, canned fruit, coffee, rice, pasta, and other things I see on sale. Sometimes I hide cookies in there, but you didn’t hear that from me.

Bulk Meals

I like to make large amounts of food so that I can have it for lunches or dinners during the busier times of the week. A few weeks ago, I made vegan coconut curry with white kidney beans for the first time, and I LOVED it. I felt like I was eating like a queen.

Pasta

Pasta. My one true love! The one thing that will never disappoint me. Pasta is not really known as the healthiest, but my Italian genes wholeheartedly disagree. You can enjoy the things you love in moderation. I don’t eat pasta everyday, but I like to cook it in bulk for lunches or dinners. I love adding blanched spinach and tomatoes, and occasionally chicken sausage or beans. Can’t go wrong with some feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, and basil. I just keep it simple. Below are dishes I made with orecchiette (left) and gnocchi (right).

Imperfect Meals!

Sometimes things aren’t perfect. Sometimes you just throw things together that taste good and add some seasoning. Beans and rice with roasted garlic is very versatile and can keep in the fridge for a busy school week. My weirdest favorite has to be salad tacos! Bagged salad kits and fresh vegetables can go a long way, too.

Snacks and Treats

Fruit is a wonderful treat to have on hand (and dark chocolate). I have a big sweet tooth. Buy fruit when it is in season or on sale!

And lastly, when in doubt, eat the things you love and enjoy. Law school is stressful! You will be handling great amounts of new information. At the end of the day, you just need to feed your brain. You cannot possibly do all the things you desire to do when you’re running on empty. Your health is #1!

What are some of your favorite ways to eat healthy when you are busy? Let me know in the comments!