The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator

The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator

The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator

Tuesday’s special: Spicing up college standards

Following the suicide of a UW-Eau Claire senior last month, administrators and counselors are encouraging any student who may be depressed or suicidal to seek immediate help.

Oatmeal

College students are notorious for eating unhealthy and quick meals. I revamped some typical boring meals that are still fast to make but are tastier and more nutritious.

I am a huge fan of Ramen noodles, as I’m sure some of you are, too. And the four packs for $1 is a great deal! But the sodium in those flavor packets is ridiculously high, and I was getting sick of eating the same bland thing.

Instead of completely getting rid of Ramen, though, I decided to decrease the amount of flavor packet and add healthier ingredients, such as vegetables and meat. Add any ingredients that you like in typical pasta dishes. I chose chicken, broccoli and mushrooms.

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Slice three chicken breasts into strips and cook them on a skillet, set at medium heat. While those cook, pour 1 ¾ cup of water into a pan. Add two cups of frozen broccoli and one drained 4-oz. can of mushrooms to the water.

Add two packages of Ramen noodles and one flavor packet (any kind is fine) into the pan with the vegetables. Then turn the heat on high and boil. This will reduce the amount of water to create a sauce with the flavor packet.

When the water in the vegetables and noodles mixture has reduced, add one tablespoon of soy sauce and stir.

Once the chicken is cooked all the way through (about 10 minutes), pour that into the mixture and mix. Once the vegetables are tender and the noodles are soft, you’re ready to eat. It took me only about 15 minutes to cook the meal all together.

Another boring meal that students eat is cereal. A lot of people are in a hurry in the morning and skip breakfast or just eat a quick bowl of Cheerios or plain oatmeal. But just like Ramen, that can get really old.

Try adding some healthier and tastier ingredients to your oatmeal. For example, fruit is great to get your morning started. Combine oatmeal and water, as the oatmeal package describes. Add dried fruit and microwave for one minute. I poured in a handful of dried cranberries. Once that’s done, I added chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

You could include any breakfast ingredients that you like, such as apples, bananas, almonds, apricots or even chocolate chips for sweetness.

It won’t slow you down and will boost your energy to keep you awake during your 8 a.m. class.

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Tuesday’s special: Spicing up college standards