I get it. Having to come up with ideas for food every day can seem overwhelming, especially since doing homework and being productive in general can seem much more important. That's why a lot of teens tend to eat whatever they can find in under 5 minutes, and many even skip meals altogether.

I am here to tell you that there's an easy way out of the endless cycle of turkey sandwiches and PB&Js. Try one of these easy and versatile recipes to keep your diet varied and healthy!

1. Pinwheels

Pinwheels are flatbread bites with any filling of your choice. Some ideas for toppings are:

1. Shredded chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, and buffalo sauce.
2. Sliced meat, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon (optional), and sliced cheese.
3. Banana, chocolate, and Nutella.
4. Mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.

Directions:

Start with a cream cheese base on a tortilla or other type of flatbread. Add the toppings you want, then roll it up and cut it into slices.

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2. Chicken/Egg Salad

Chicken or egg salad is a great idea for busy weeks since you can make a giant batch and store it in the fridge for days.

Ingredients:

1. Diced boiled eggs/shredded rotisserie chicken,
2. Mayonnaise
3. Mustard
4. Ranch (Optional)
5. Dill or other herbs (Optional)
6. Celery (Optional)

Directions:

Simply mix all of the ingredients together in one bowl. Serve with bread, lettuce, or on its own. Chicken salad is more versatile than egg salad, so you can also add almonds, walnuts, chopped apples, and grapes, and even swap out some of the mayo for yogurt, which tastes great!

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3. Open Pizza Bread

If you consider pizza to be one of the best inventions known to mankind, this easy substitution is for you. Regular pizza can take a very long time to make, but this recipe's use of bread makes it a lot faster.

Ingredients:

1. Bread
2. Marinara Sauce
3. Cheese
4. Vegetables (Optional)
5. Meat (Optional)
6. Basil (Optional)
7. Oregano (Optional)
8. Garlic Powder (Optional)

Directions:

Layer the toppings on like a pizza, but save the seasonings for after it's cooked if you prefer. Bake in a toaster oven until the edges are crispy, but a microwave works, too, if you're in a rush (keep in mind that the bread will be pretty soft, though).

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4. Vegetable Stir-Fry

A great way to increase your veggie intake is to make this stir fry. You can even add cooked meat at the end if you want extra protein. The recipe for this stir-fry can be credited to The Recipe Critic. So, please note that the ingredients and instructions may have been modified.

Ingredients for Stir-Fry:

1. Red and Yellow Bell Peppers
2. Onions
3. Carrots
4. Mushrooms
5. Broccoli
6. Baby corn
7. Water Chestnuts

Ingredients for Sauce:

1. Soy Sauce
2. Minced Garlic Cloves
3. Brown Sugar
4. Sesame Oil
5. Chicken Broth
6. Cornstarch
7. Green Onions (Optional)
8. Sesame Seeds (Optional)

Directions:

Sauté all vegetables together. While they are cooking, whisk the sauce ingredients in order. Pour the sauce over the veggies and simmer until the sauce is thicker. Add garnish to taste.

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5. Quesadillas

A Mexican staple, quesadillas are a simple but filling lunch that's easy to pack and transport.

Ingredients:

1. Tortillas
2. Cheese (Mexican blend is a good choice!)
3. Cooked Meat (Optional)
4. Cooked Vegetables (Optional)
5. Sour Cream (Optional)
6. Guacamole (Optional)
7. Lime (Optional)

Directions:

On top of one tortilla, add cheese, toppings, and more cheese. Put the other tortilla on top. Heat in a pan or bake for about 425 degrees Fahrenheit until done.

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6. Rice Bowls

The thing about rice bowls is that you can put basically whatever you want on them. If you've ever been to Chipotle or a similar restaurant, you know what I'm talking about. If you want multiple ingredients, it takes a little extra prep, but the assembly time is almost nonexistent.

Ingredients:

1. Seasoned Rice
2. Cooked Meat
3. Beans
4. Corn
5. Onions
6. Bell Peppers
7. Cheese
8. Sour cream (Optional)
9. Guacamole (Optional)
10. Additional Vegetables (Optional)

Directions:

Slice the onions and bell peppers into strips and cook until the onions are translucent. Add them on top of the rice, along with any other vegetables and meat. Lastly, add cheese and any desired sauces.

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7. Red Pasta

This is just about the simplest pasta dish you can make, but it still tastes great and leaves you full for the day! It's great for when you don't have the energy to cut up a lot of ingredients but still want a nice home-cooked meal. This version is just pasta on its own, but feel free to change the recipe and add anything you like!

Ingredients:

1. Pasta (penne or something similar is best!)
2. Red Pasta Sauce
3. Basil
4. Oregano
5. Salt
6. Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Cook your pasta completely. Heat the pasta sauce and mix in the seasonings and cheese. Stir in the pasta and serve, adding more parmesan on top if desired.

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Conclusion

Cooking doesn't have to be difficult. If you've always thought of it as something that takes hours and looks flawless, let me tell you that there are so many recipes out there that are a lot less daunting. Find what works for you and keep your body healthy. Taking thirty minutes out of your day to prepare food may be just what you need to stay focused on your tasks for the rest of the day.