As you head into your school year, you may find yourself wondering where that extra time in the day went for the easy things such as lunch. While managing school, work, and extracurricular activities, eating may seem low on your priority list. However, it is important to keep your health in mind, and to remember that eating healthy is part of a productive lifestyle. For the days you’re too cramped to make yourself a decent thing to eat check out these easy, hearty, and delicious options to open your range of possible food choices.
1. The Sweet Tooth
This is a famous one, and you simply can’t complain because there’s an option for everyone. Peanut butter and an apple! If you don’t like apples, try a banana. Or, if you are not the biggest fans of peanut butter try an alternative such as almond/cashew/sunflower/hazelnut butter.
2. Gotta Have The Veggies
Vegetables may not be the most desirable, but they need to be incorporated into your diet. To make it easy, stay away from the salads where you have to worry about dressing, and where it can become soggy from sitting in your backpack. There are assortments of veggies that don’t need to be refrigerated to stay in good shape. Cucumbers, green peppers, avocados are all very manageable to cut and place in the same tupperware/container. Pair these hearty greens with some hummus!
3. The Go To Granola Bar
If you’re literally running out the door, you can grab one of these on the move. However, it is easy to pick the wrong one that is manufactured with sugars and poor ingredients that won’t help your brain stay focused throughout the day. Below are some well-known brands that will keep you full and energized, as well as easy to find!
RX Bars-Protein bar — dairy, gluten and soy free so anyone can enjoy.
Cliff Bars-May be high in calories and carbs, but good for if you need something to hold you over as a meal or if you will be active throughout the day.
KIND-Uses all real ingredients, good for nut lovers.
Simple Squares-5 ingredients, with all unique flavors. (Chili Pep and Ginger are surprisingly tasty)
Zing Bars-Low in carbs, with healthy fats.
4. Real Meal Kinda Deal
Some people could argue that you can’t make a snack a real meal? I beg to disagree, combining multiple snacks together and you’ll be eating lunch walking from biology to a study session in the lib.
Preparing chicken during your free time, and using it for the next day is acceptable! (Try to stay away from lunch meats). For all the vegetarians, try beans (black, garbanzo) to get in your protein and pop them in a tupperware.
Along with your proteins add some sliced up tomatoes, corn, or sweet potatoes that won’t go bad in your bag!
There are always options, and opportunities to keep your body fueled through your long days of work and school, without having to grab a greasy piece of pizza from the cafeteria. Take care of your body, and help it through with what you eat!