When you’ve got a afternoon full of classes and a stomach full of nothing grabbing a snack on the way out the door can make the world of a difference. Picking the right one will allow you to stay full until dinner and keep you from being “that girl” who’s growling stomach just won’t quit. Not to mention, hunger pangs are a total attention killer and are just plain miserable. The following no-fuss treats are healthy and can easily be stored in your purse or backpack for all your hunger emergencies.
(So when is dinner?!)
1. Kashi TLC Granola Bars
If you’ve never tried any of Kashi’s products prepare to be converted. Kashi’s TLC bars are made with whole grain, no high fructose corn syrup and are free of any partially hydrogenated oils! They’re minimally processed and are loaded with a bunch of awesome, healthy ingredients. The best part? They come in tons of flavors to satisfy every taste (Honey Almond Flax, Cherry Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Peanutty Dark Chocolate, Dark Mocha Almond, Peanut Butter, Trail Mix, Pumpkin Spice Flax, Cranberry Walnut, Blackberry Graham, Ripe Strawberry and MORE!) Grab a few different flavors at the grocery store this week and figure out your fave!
2. Triscuit Crackers
Want something salty and crunchy? Triscuit crackers are a great choice! Depending on the flavor you choose, they’re made with only a few basic ingredients (whole wheat, soybean oil and salt) and filled with fiber to keep you full! Throw a few in a snack baggie and bring to class or the library for a guilt-free salty treat!
3. Horizon Organic Mozzarella String Cheese
Crackers are always better paired with a little cheese and these healthy sticks will give you a fifth of your daily calcium needs! Since most college aged girls don’t get enough calcium everyday, keeping string cheese in your fridge is a quick and easy fix. Horizon keeps their cheese low fat by making their sticks with skim milk and still manages to keep the cheese creamy enough to let you feel like you’re indulging.
4. Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Chips
If you’re favorite snack in the world is a a bag of potato chips, pick these ones over the bag of Lay’s! They’re the perfect mix between cracker and chip and they’re totally delish! Made with the healthier sweet potato, these chips offer 20% of your daily dose of vitamin A! Good news for all our gluten-sensitive readers, they’re gluten-free! You can even find them at Union Court and Pita Pit!
6. Sabra Pretzels and Hummus
Another Union Court find, Sabra Pretzels and Hummus is a super snack loaded with protein, fiber and healthy fat! Portable to-go packs make them a perfect choice to take to your favorite campus study spot! They’re even available in flavors like garlic and roasted red pepper to keep things interesting!
7. Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds, Dark Chocolate
Confession: I’m a total chocolate snob and super picky when it comes to cocoa, but these passed the test! This snack tastes like candy but packs an extra nutritional punch with the added almond! The best part is that each serving only has one gram of sugar so you’ll avoid any post-candy guilt! Grab a handful on your way out the door or pack a baggie to keep in your backpack and hush your chocolate cravings before you pass the brownie counter at the dining hall!
8. Special K Fruit Crisps
Special K Fruit Crisps are the grown-up version of Pop-Tarts; all the flavor without all the calories! Pick them up at your local grocery store in either blueberry or strawberry and enjoy for a mere 100 calories a pop!
9. Luna Bars
My best friend swears by these nutrition bars, and after trying a few bites I can’t deny she’s got me hooked. Designed specifically to meet the nutrition needs of the everyday woman, Luna has created a line of wonder bars you’re sure to fall in love with. With flavors like caramel nut brownie, cookies and cream and cookie dough they’re just like candy bars, but better! (and better for you!) A mix of protein and fiber is sure to keep you full no matter what flavor you pick and they can be found at Zeke’s Cafe, Pita Pit, Wildcatessen (Wild Kitty) and almost any grocery store! Small enough to store in your purse but big enough to shut up your growling tummy.
10. Trail Mix
Trail mix is awesome because it’s pretty much an anything-goes snack that’s super easy to prepare yourself with all your favorite ingredients! Buyer beware: most store-bought trail mixes are loaded with salt and have a higher calorie count than you might expect. If you’re not into making your own, check the nutrition label before you purchase. If you like the idea of having your own personal mix, keep these rules in mind:
1. Check the sodium– lots of nut varieties come pre-salted so search for a raw or unsalted version and roast them yourself or add salt sparingly
2. Fluff it up– add low calorie cereals like Chex Mix or Cheerios to your mix to make you feel like you’re eating more than you are and cut the calorie count down!
3. Easy on the candy– an M&M is still an M&M regardless if it’s mixed in with a bunch of other healthy ingredients. Keep the candy to a minimum and choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate for added antioxidants!
4. Be adventurous– try different dried fruits like Crasins or dried cherries! You might surprise yourself with a new favorite.
Now that you’re mouth is watering, hit the store and enjoy your treats! If none of the above tickled your fancy don’t fret! There are tons of healthy options for everyones taste, you just gotta hunt a little. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra time in the grocery store scanning the isles and reading the nutrition labels! You only get one body- so feed it right! Happy snacking!