The life of a collegiate can get pretty busy. When your days are jam-packed with classes, extracurricular activities and studying, you’re going to need some fuel throughout the day to keep you going. And when you’re on the go and dashing between activities, it’s way too easy to just grab a bag of chips or a candy bar from the Pit Stop—but those aren’t exactly the healthiest options. Be warned: the calories in those occasional unhealthy snacks can add up pretty quickly, and when you fill yourself with empty calories, you’ll just get hungry again in an hour or two…and likely eat even more empty calories! Luckily for you, preparing healthy snacks that will keep you fuller longer and power you through your day is easier than you think. Here are seven of our favorite low-cal options.
1. Single-serving container Chobani plain Greek yogurt and ½ cup chopped strawberries: 137 calories
When your stomach is rumbling and you need something to fill you up fast, this snack should be your go-to. Berries are a great source of fiber and the Greek yogurt packs an awesome 18 grams of protein, both of which will keep you full. For those of you who aren’t big fans of the tartness of Greek yogurt, the strawberries will add extra sweetness (or you can sneak in a little zero-calorie Stevia if your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied).
2. One serving (1/4 cup) Emerald Cocoa Roast dark chocolate almonds: 150 calories
There’s something so addicting about the salty/sweet combination of chocolate and nuts. But while chocolate covered almonds aren’t exactly good for you, these Cocoa Roast almonds are! The almonds are lightly dusted with cocoa powder, giving you the sweet taste of chocolate without the extra calories. Plus, the six grams of protein and three grams of fiber are sure to fill you up.
3. Four-oz low fat cottage cheese and 1 cup diced pineapple: 151 calories
Cottage cheese and pineapple is a classic snack combination, but did you know it’s actually a one that’s good for you as well? A serving of cottage cheese has around 10 grams of protein, and the sugar in the pineapple is a natural (and healthy) sweetener.
4. Nature Valley protein chewy bar: 190 calories
For those of you who are too busy (or lazy—we’ve all been there!) to put together two separate ingredients for a snack, these protein bars are a great grab-and-go option. Many protein bars are disguised as healthy but really contain a lot of sugar and carbs, but this version contains only six grams of sugar and has 10 grams of protein. Sounds like a win-win to us!
5. Two Laughing Cow light cheese wedges and 7 Kashi Heart to Heart whole wheat crackers: 190 calories
Another classic snack combo is cheese and crackers. But don’t let the horror stories of cheese’s fat content and crackers’ carb content turn you off of it—this version has only 190 calories, and the cheese is a great source of protein.
6. Two tablespoons Sabra classic hummus and 1 cup baby-cut carrots: 108 calories
Carrots make a great low-calorie snack that still contains a lot of fiber, keeping you full for hours and making this combo the lowest-calorie snack on our list. And who doesn’t love pairing them with hummus? Just don’t get too carried away with the hummus; the recommended serving size is just enough to pair with your carrots without adding too many grams of carbs and too much fat.
7. One tablespoon peanut butter and one medium Red Delicious apple: 185 calories
Peanut butter is a great food that often gets a bad rap. You may have heard warnings about peanut butter’s fat content, but some fats are good for you, and peanut butter also provides a lot of protein. Plus, the apple contains five grams of fiber that will keep you fuller longer.
So next time you find yourself facing a long day with no anticipated breaks, don’t go hungry—and don’t go for those snacks full of empty calories! Try out one of our alternatives and feel fuller longer than you would if you ate that bag of chips.
Photo Credits:
Greek yogurt and strawberries (photo): The Running Jewess, http://therunningjewess.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/chobani-review-giveaway/
Emerald Cocoa Roast almonds (photo): Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Cocoa-Roast-Almonds-Chocolate/dp/B005VH195C
Cottage cheese and pineapple (photo): Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com/tag/fresh-pineapple/
Nature Valley Protein bars (photo): Costco, http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11765760&whse=BD_563&topnav=national&cat=11841&hierPath=11119*11841*&lang=en-US
Laughing Cow cheese (photo): Shape Your Weigh, http://www.shapeyourweigh.com/2012/02/yummy-and-quick-fake-chocolate-cheesecake-recipe.html
Hummus and carrots (photo): Annieisms, http://annieisms.tumblr.com/post/4561406855/healthy-snack-time-carrot-sticks-and-hummus-ive
Apple and peanut butter (photo): Parenthood Plus, http://modules.fcny.org/pplus/nutrition/how/recipes/snack/applepb/?mode=recipe