Love, Lucy is the New School Free Press’ weekly advice column, where writers anonymously share thoughtfully researched solutions to your questions about life. Send submissions through Love, Lucy’s official Google Form, and you might hear back from Lucy herself.

Dear Lucy, 

What should I eat for dinner?

From, 

Uncertain Diner

Dear Uncertain Diner, 

That is a great question that more and more people seem to be asking themselves, especially since there is such a large variety of different cuisines in NYC. For some people, this might actually be a very simple question to answer while for others, it may be the opposite. 

I do want to assure you that whatever you choose to have for the last meal of the day is completely up to you. I’m sure you know that, as it’s a part of why you are reaching out to me. It’s not to ask someone else to tell you what to eat, it’s more of getting an opinion or perspective that may help drive you towards a possible option that will satisfy you. 

According to Grocery Dive, it was reported by Food Navigator — a news outlet that specializes in the food industry — that “85% of consumers don’t know what they’re having for dinner until hours before mealtime, leading many to choose convenience foods from a restaurant, meal kit or grocery deli…” This also impacts college students who are strapped for time and money, which will influence their decisions surrounding food choices. 

I personally run into this problem at least a few times a month, and my thought pattern goes as follows: “What did I have yesterday? Have I repeated specific foods for the past few nights? What do I not want to have?” I’m sure you’ve had a similar train of thought, and it’s very normal to think in this way. 

You have probably been stuck in a cycle of eating the same foods over and over again due to their availability or convenience in your day-to-day activities. But at the same time, you have an inkling to break that cycle, and you’re unsure if taking a risk outside of your dining norms is worth it. This might seem like a no-win situation, but fear not, there is a solution. 

An article from HuffPost explained that eating a wider variety of foods is better for your body and health, as well as helping you avoid unhealthy eating habits that could damage your mental health. As a bonus, this goes toward solving your issues concerning what to have for dinner. If you usually eat pizza, burgers, or even just resort to fast food from chain restaurants, it’s time to consider foods that may reinvigorate your taste buds like pasta salad, gyros, stir-fry noodles, or even shakshuka. 

During my first year of college, I found it extremely difficult to manage my class and work schedule, including when I ate. At first, I did a lot of snacking because I didn’t have enough time in the morning or at night to have a full meal. But not having a suitable dinner to satisfy my mind and body was definitely a no-go. So I would suggest not skipping multiple meals in order to keep up with a schedule. Make time for things that you need and care about. 

The way I combated the missed time for meals was by meal prepping. If I knew that I was coming home late from work on Mondays, I would prepare all the ingredients for a panini or go to a market and pick up pre-made food that I could warm up at home. This ended up being a normal occurrence on multiple days of the week, so as a result, I would prepare a pasta dish or soup that was filled with veggies that would last a day or two. This may even be an option for you, since it may clear up potential uncertainties for what to eat for future dinners. 

Ultimately, dinner should consist of food groups that work together in order to satisfy your hunger and nourish your body. It’s also okay if you don’t want to try something new just yet; that part may take a little longer. If you’re still unsure, try asking a friend or roommate for ideas on what to prepare or get from another place. In the end, you know what’s best for you. I hope that you choose something that interests you and possibly expands your dinner menu for the future. Only you know what you’ll enjoy. 

Love, 

Lucy