College is a time when everyone seems to be constantly on the go. With classes, meetings, jobs and more, sitting down for a meal isn’t always ideal, and a quick snack is a better fast option to keep your body in balance and your mind alert. Below are some ideas on what to bring when you’re in a time pinch and need something delicious, healthy and transportable at the same time.
1) Purely Protein
For those of you who’d like to have a little more protein in your diet—no-bake protein bites, turkey jerky, Greek yogurt with granola, and Kind bars are convenient options available at your fingertips. Protein bites can be made with a variety of ingredients: honey, nut butters, chia seeds, and coconut can be mixed, rolled up into balls and refrigerated or frozen, then eaten at your discretion. Turkey jerky is a leaner alternative to beef, and you can make it even healthier by choosing low-sodium brands.
2) Spice Up Your Fruit
Fruit is an easy go-to on any day of the week, and satisfies a sweet tooth without the all-too-tempting artificial sugars from candy bars or cookies. Apples with almond butter, bananas with peanut butter, grapes and cheese, and dark chocolate with oranges or strawberries are wonderful health-conscious substitutes. Apples with nut butter are a classic quick fix, and can be jazzed up with toppings such as cinnamon or raisins. Dark chocolate paired with any variety of fruit, and is also a good choice for those who need a pick-me-up throughout the day since it’s loaded with antioxidants and is delicious with virtually anything.
3) Dips and Sticks
Dips are a tasty portable option which offers an endless array of delicious and healthy flavor combinations. Pineapple cottage cheese with crackers, hummus and veggie sticks, and celery with peanut butter and raisins are popular combinations which will get your taste buds dancing. Cottage cheese is high in protein and available in a variety of flavors such as pineapple, cherry, and chive (and it’s also a great topping when paired with whole grain crackers). As for hummus and veggie sticks, there’s a huge range of flavors available—both in store or homemade—such as roasted red pepper, spinach and herb, and sun-dried tomato.
4) Roast It Up
Roasted chickpeas and edamame are a great alternative to snacking on a bag of chips or unhealthy snack mixes, and there are endless flavors to choose from! You can get them in-store or make them fresh at home, and season them with honey mustard, buffalo, or ranch seasoning to name a few! Chickpeas are a great source of healthy carbohydrates and edamame is a snack known for its high protein content; they’re both efficient ways to keep your energy moving without experiencing a crash later on. For those who prefer more greens in their diet, roasted seaweed is also an option that may have a higher salt content, but is filled with vitamins to add into your snack sessions.