The life of a college student is filled with classes, tests, papers, assignments and often a job to pay for necessary expenses. It is no surprise that packing healthy lunches can be pushed toward the back burner.
By eating healthier food, not only can one improve his or her physical health, but also their energy level.  After eating a large portion of processed food and a supersized soda, it is understandable that anyone’s energy level would crash.  Before pulling out your wallet for that burger and large basket of fries, consider a few healthy alternatives.
Keep in mind that all of these lunches can be prepared the night before in order to save time in the morning.  To keep the food at the perfect temperature, cool with an icepack until lunchtime.
A wrap is a healthy substitution for the traditional sandwich and can be a tasty treat for students on an afternoon break.  Any type of meat, vegetable and bean of choice can compose a wrap; it all depends on the personal preference.
From grilled or shredded chicken to steak bites topped with spinach, corn, avocado and tomatoes, the various options take on a delicious flavor with shredded cheese and a splash of balsamic, wrapped in a whole wheat or spinach tortilla.
Another healthy option is the mason jar salad, which is just the average salad in a jar to give it a fun southern twist. It is as simple as it sounds: simply place lettuce or spinach along with a variety of fruits or vegetables inside the jar, splash a little salad dressing, shake and enjoy.  If leafy greens and vegetables are not enough to subside certain appetites, simply add lean meat or cooked pasta for extra sustenance.
For individuals with a sweet tooth, a large fruit salad can cure an appetite while providing good sugars.  Throw some sliced apples, oranges, strawberries, grapes, bananas, kiwi, or any fruit of choice in a large bowl and mix together before distributing into containers to ensure that no hassle is involved the morning before class.  An easy way to keep a fruit salad cold without using an ice pack is to add frozen grapes in the morning, which will thaw by lunch time and ensure a temperature that will preserve the food.
Not every lunch can be pre-planned, so when looking for a healthy lunch on campus, the Warrior Grill and Main Dining offers various fresh salads or a grilled chicken sandwich served on a whole wheat bun.
The next time that lunch seems to be expensive and unhealthy, try to remember that healthy alternatives will benefit your health and energy level.