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The article is written by Loren Howarth

Between attending class and studying, it can be hard to find a moment to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Instead, opting for a fast takeaway lunch seems to be the easiest and most convenient option. But it’s important to eat nutritious food while you’re on the go, to ensure you have enough energy and to keep your brain up to speed. Although you may think preparing healthy food is expensive, here are some of our favourite low-cost meals that can be easily eaten on the go.

Egg Fried Rice 

Egg Fried Rice is a delicious and very nutritious meal that will keep your hunger at bay. Even better, it can be eaten hot or cold, so you can pack it in your lunchbox for an easily accessible meal.

Ingredients: 

o.5 cup rice

2 eggs

1 cup frozen peas and corn (you can also use any other frozen vegetables such as broccoli or beans)

1-2 tbsp soy sauce

Method: 

1. Cook rice according to packet directions and set aside.
2. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until yellow.
3. In an oiled frying pan, pour in the egg mixture and cook until scrambled. Once the egg is cooked, add in the rice, frozen vegetables and soy sauce to the pan and cook until the vegetables are heated through.

Optional: For a healthy crunch, make a side of lettuce, capsicum, tomato and cucumber to accompany the fried rice!

Spaghetti Carbonara 

There’s nothing better than having a deliciously creamy Spaghetti Carbonara, especially in the Australian winter. This is an affordable recipe which still has a lot of flavour!

Ingredients: 

100g fettuccine (or your favourite type of pasta)

50g bacon strips

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

50ml thickened cream

1/4 c parmesan cheese

Method: 

1. While the pasta is cooking according to packet directions, heat oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon until crispy with garlic. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Place egg and the additional egg yolk, cream and parmesan in a bowl and gently mix with a fork.
3. Add pasta to frying pan and quickly add the egg mixture. Leave on heat until the mixture is heated through.

Optional: For something extra, why not make your own garlic bread? Simply mix together some melted butter, minced garlic and parsley, spread onto bread and then bake in the oven until golden.

Chicken Stir Fry  

For something fast and easy, there really is not a better option than a chicken stir fry. You really can’t go wrong with this tasty and affordable meal!

Ingredients: 

1 small chicken breast, sliced into strips

1/2 c Frozen stir fry vegetables

1 small onion, diced

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oil

120g egg noodles, cooked according to packet directions

Method: 

1. In a wok or frying pan, heat oil and add chicken. Cook until brown and then add in onion.
2. When the onion has turned golden, add the frozen vegetables and half of the soy sauce. Stir-fry for around five minutes or until the vegetables are heated through.
3. Now place the noodles in the pan, as well as the other tbsp of soy sauce.

Vegetable Burgers 

Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, these Vegetable Burgers are bursting with flavour. Trust us – you won’t miss the meat!

Note: This recipe will leave you with leftovers for dinner or even lunch for the next day! (Makes 4 patties).

Ingredients: 

400g can chickpeas

340g can sweetcorn

1 tbsp cumin

1 lemon

3 heaped tbsp plain flour

Wholemeal buns (or if you like, just use bread)

Burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, tomato sauce.

Method: 

1. Drain the chickpeas and sweetcorn and add to a food processor or blender.
2. Add the spices, flour and finely grate in the lemon zest. Pulse until combined but not smooth, you want to have some texture.
3. Divide and shape the mixture into 4 patties, and place on a plate to leave in the fridge for 30 mins. (While waiting, why not do some extra study?)
4. Add a splash of oil to a warm frying pan, add the patties and cook for ten minutes or until golden and hot.
5. Once cooked, assemble patties on a bun/bread, and add toppings.

Optional: You could also top the patties with some avocado, cheese or even mustard for more flavour! Serving the burger with a side salad is also another option to fulfil your hunger.