You’re pulling a long study session and your stomach starts to growl, but the vending machine doesn’t have any healthy snack options. What’s a student to do? For today’s back to school tip, here are some healthy snack ideas for your cravings to avoid the freshman 15.
Apple and Peanut Butter. Photo: fitnessmagazine.com
If You’re Craving Something Sweet
- If you’re craving something sweet, smooth and creamy, you may be tempted to load up on small cases of Yoplait yogurt which are chock full of artificial sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup. As a healthy alternative, mix in some honey or fresh berries in with unflavored yogurt.
- If you’re craving something sweet, get dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher, rather than Hershey’s which has a lot of additional fat. Women of the world rejoice, dark chocolate is actually recommended for daily intake!
- While fruit snacks are chewy and delicious, grabbing an apple, orange, or banana will give you that fruit flavor, plus you’ll avoid added sugar and fat. Says professor of nutrition and food science Mark Kantor, “[Fruit snacks are] not as good as eating regular fruit.” (Source: LA Times)
- If your favorite fruits aren’t in season, get a bag of frozen fruit and munch on those instead.
If You’re Craving Something Salty
- A handful of salted almonds, peanuts, or pistachios are a protein-packed alternative to Doritos.
- Popping your own popcorn will give you a leg up on microwaveable popcorn, allowing you to choose how much butter and salt you use.
- While nachos might sound terrific, grab some string cheese instead.
- For a protein-filled snack, try some seasoned tuna fish on Triscuits.
If You’re Craving Something Sweet and Salty
- Grab a box of Triscuits, cheese, and apples. It appeals to the salty and sweet cravings.
- Apple slices with crunchy peanut butter are a perfect pair. A lovely marriage of sweet and salty.
If You’re Craving Something Fresh
- Cut up some cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a light and fresh snack.
- Spread some cream cheese, a tomato slice and salt and pepper on some toast.
- Opt for a small bowl of cottage cheese with diced fresh fruit.
Those are our favorite healthy snacks to help avoid the unnecessary Freshman 15. What are yours?
For another clever back to school tip, check out 10 Brain Foods for Going Back to College.
