By Kelsey Horath
One of the quickest and most convenient habits to develop is swiping a credit card at fast food restaurants. In the midst of a busy family, work and social schedule, cooking tends to fall low on the to-do list. It is hard to find the time and resources to make a meal each day; therefore, leaving the door, or, well, window, open to fast food.
However, learning quick and simple meals can be beneficial. It allows individuals to improve nutritional value, create a new hobby and potentially gather a few cooking buddies.
Annaliese Russell, a Tech alumna pursuing a master’s degree at her alma mater, knows just how beneficial it truly is to have simple recipes at hand during a busy day, like her Chicken Power Bowl, with the recipe listed below, that she came up to help college students in a pinch.
“I chose to share this recipe because it’s super easy to make in a dorm and a favorite of mine,” Russell said. “You can change it up with different ingredients, and it is a great meal for meal prep.”
Having meals like this allows individuals to concentrate on their wellbeing and control what enters their body.
“Last year, I decided to start prioritizing my health, and eating fast food often wouldn’t work with that,” Russell said. “Cooking is important because you know exactly what you are eating, and you have to think about your lifestyle/eating habits.”
Along with the nutritious advantages of cooking, many tend to find relaxation and entertainment by using it as a pastime. Russell said she really enjoys practicing her recipes and it has become a practical hobby for her now.
To develop a consistent and exciting cooking schedule, invite friends and family over for dinner or cook the meals with others, Russell said.
“Cook things that you love and cook for friends often,” Russell said. “It is fun to have other people there to encourage you and enjoy your food.”
Though life will likely remain hectic, Russell said building a foundation of recipes is so important and helps pave a road to success by empowering the body through healthy food choices.
Chicken Power Bowl
Ingredients
• 1/2 cups of rice per person
• 1 chicken breast
• Seasonings: roasted garlic and herb, Tony’s, garlic pepper and black pepper
• Veggies of choice
• Teriyaki Sauce (sauce can be changed upon preference)
Instructions
• Cook rice according to package
• Season chicken with seasonings and cook chicken on medium high heat in a skillet until internal temperature reaches 165F
• Place veggies of choice on a pan covered in foil. Drizzle olive oil on top and add the same seasonings used on the chicken breast. Bake at 375 until veggies are slightly browned.
• Serve with rice, chicken and veggies together in the bowl, top with Teriyaki Sauce or sauce of choice.
