After diving into the rigorous schedule at the IAA, one of the daily challenges you’ll face is deciding what to do for lunch. With busy days ahead, it’s important to find a lunch strategy that works best for you. Here are the three options I’ve found to be most popular among students.
Pack It the Morning Of
For those rare mornings when I have a bit of extra time, I’ll quickly throw together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich using homemade or store-bought bread. If I’m feeling ambitious, I might also grab a bag of chips or a protein bar to add to my lunch. However, I wouldn’t really recommend this option. Morning time is better spent enjoying a solid breakfast and, of course, getting your caffeine fix. Rushed lunches tend to lack the nutrients and variety you might need to stay energized throughout the day.
Meal Prep Ahead of Time
This option is a game-changer for anyone looking to save time, money, and maintain a healthier diet. Meal prepping over the weekend allows you to create several ready-to-go meals for the week. I typically prepare 3-4 reusable, microwavable containers, which I can easily grab from my fridge in the morning and either store in my backpack or in one of the IAA’s refrigerators.
My go-to meal prep includes a balanced mix of white or brown rice, a protein like chicken breast or ground beef, a green vegetable such as broccoli, kale, or green beans, and a portion of baked sweet potato. While it often takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook everything and clean all the pots and pans, it’s definitely worth it. Not only does this method ensure you’re eating nutritious meals, but it also saves you the hassle of figuring out what to eat every day. Plus, it’s probably the most economical option in the long run.
Food Trucks: A Convenient (and Tasty) Option
For a break from the usual packed lunches, I’ll treat myself to a meal from one of the food trucks parked just across the street from the Alliance Building. I typically do this once or twice a week, usually right as the IAA lets out for lunch to beat the long lines that start to form around noon.While some students argue that the food trucks are overpriced (and they’re not wrong), I’ve found a few that are worth the splurge. The quality of food is surprisingly good, and let’s face it, eating a chicken breast every day can get old pretty fast. Some of my favorites include Bulkogi Korean BBQ, Las Gringas, Mama Voula’s, and Presti Pizza (https://streetfoodfinder.com/NCStateCentennial).
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a packed lunch, the planning involved in meal prepping, or the convenience of grabbing something from a food truck, it’s all about finding what works best for you. Balancing time, budget, and taste will ensure that you’re well-fueled for the busy days at the IAA.
Columnist: Jacob Stanley