Everyone has those days where you never stop running from one thing to the next. The alarm doesn’t go off, class went late, your phone died, you lost track of time, etc. 

Whatever it is — it can become hard to make an actual meal when you don’t have a lot of time.

My off days usually start with an accidentally turned-off alarm and forgetting to do an assignment. I know when I’m in a hurry, I only manage to grab a non-filling granola bar and a couple of bucks for the vending machine.

Not that a granola bar and other miscellaneous snacks aren’t great once in a while, but a quick search for dorm-friendly, microwavable meals covered an entire day of on-the-go eating.

Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, so the first recipe is eggs in a mug.

You will need:

•  Two eggs
•  Fixings (optional)
•  Salt, to taste
•  Pepper, to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a mug and microwave for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking process.

The best thing about this recipe is that it is simple and completely customizable. You can add cut-up peppers or onions, ham, sausage, bacon, whatever you prefer. If those ingredients are accessible and you have the extra time, turn your scrambled eggs into an omelet.

For lunch, we have microwavable nachos that can just as easily be turned into a snack.

You will need:

• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese of your choice
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Refried beans
• Guacamole

Spread out your desired amount of tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate/container. Layer your desired amounts of refried beans and cheese to your liking.

Microwave for one to one-and-a-half minutes until the cheese is melted.

Top with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.

There are no exact measurements for this recipe because it really just depends on what you prefer. I didn’t add anything other than cheese, salsa and sour cream. The entire recipe is adjustable.

For dinner, we have microwavable mac and cheese.  

You will need:

• One-half cup elbow macaroni
• One-half cup water
• Three tablespoons of milk
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• One-fourth cup shredded cheddar cheese

Start by mixing the macaroni, water and salt in a mug.

Microwave for two to three minutes, then stir.

Add the milk, cheese, salt and pepper, then stir once again.

Microwave for another thirty seconds and stir once again before eating.

The best thing about these recipes is you can adjust each of them to match your dietary restrictions or taste. You can change the milk to milk alternatives, switch the cheese to vegan cheese or add spices.

These recipes also each take less than ten minutes to make while using ingredients you probably already have.

Overall, these recipes were easy, customizable and can work into any busy schedule.

Lunderville can be reached at [email protected].