And I mean ACTUALLY cook. Here are some common “food groups” consumed by college students, the preparation of which should not be considered cooking:
Food Group #1:
1. 
Ok, I’m not going to lie, I have enjoyed many a bowl of Maruchan ramen noodles. Chicken flavored ramen noodles, paired with the second item on this list, have been the fuel and driving force behind many last minute assignments, not to mention the requisite “all-nighter.” However, who actually considers this to be a real food option?
As much as I’ve enjoyed my fair share of noodle soup, this image does not strike me as the ideal cuisine for any human being.
Food Group #2:
2.
In high school I had a friend who considered Starbucks coffee to be an omitted food group from the food pyramid. While I’m sure there are students who do not consider coffee to be one of their daily needs, I’m sure those ten people would agree that the vast majority of students walk around acting as though they need a dark roast blend IV in order to even cohabitate with other people. Maybe it’s just me, but I seem to know countless people who refuse to attend class without their non-recyclabe paper coffee cup. Now, THIS looks pretty delicious:
But how many 18-24 year-olds are firing up the cappucino machine every morning to make something like this? Yeah, right. Typically, “coffee” really means this:
Now, whether or not I find a breakfast of coffee and cigarettes to be healthy (in any situation) is not up for debate. The reality is: buying (or even making) coffee (with or without half a pack of Marlboro reds) does not count as cooking.
Food Group #3
3.
I get it: cheeseburgers are delicious. In my opinion, whoever initially dropped potatoes into grease and dipped them in ketchup (or mayonnaise, as the case probably actually was) is one of my heroes. However, the consumption of McGiantAss Burger plus two servings of McGreasy fries does not count as cooking. Granted, there are many ways to actually cook burgers at home, but very few students are actually doing this.
There are always excuses: no money, no time, etc. However, if you took the money you spent on coffee and fast food and went to the grocery store, you would not only get more food but you would also eat better. Isn’t it worth it to know exactly what’s in your food?
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a tall latte and creamy chicken ramen just as much as the next girl. I just want to use my experiences as a blueprint for the student who thinks they don’t have the time/money/energy to pursue different options.
That’s my mission. What’s yours?
