It’s the most wonderful time of the year: finals! Heh. Just kidding. But, it is that time of the year, which means everyone and their mothers will be having a slumber party Mugar soon. Though you are probably stressed about making up for those exams you let slip during the semester, you have to remember to hydrate and nourish yourself with the proper nutrients. That way, you can study efficiently and effectively!
Unfortunately for us, the GSU doesn’t hold all of the best options for healthy snacking. But, it does have some treats that can still be beneficial to your health, studies, and guilt complex.
1. Edamame. Edamame is such an easy snack that is filled with protein to keep you feeling fuller longer. Plus, it’s a vegetable, and you can never have too much of those. The GSU sells it in the pre-packaged food section right next to the fruit. The best part about edamame is that it actually tastes really good!
2. Fruit and cheese. This is actually the best combination ever and if you haven’t tried it before, you are really missing out. Fruit gives you the carbohydrates that you need to fuel your brain and cheese has protein (plus it tastes really good). If you are a fan of cottage cheese, add some pineapple chunks to it and you are good to go! Another option is just to have a pear or apple and string cheese. Let’s be honest, people, who doesn’t like string cheese?
3. Vegetables/pretzels and hummus. The GSU sells hummus with pretzels, which is fine, but if you want to go for a healthier option, I suggest ditching the pretzels and going for baby carrots, celery, or even broccoli. Hummus is awesome because it’s beans and, therefore, protein. We already talked about how protein makes you feel fuller longer so you can focus for longer! Do you remember that? I hope so.
4. Apples and nut butter. Actually one of the easiest snacks on the planet, nut butters are good with anything. Most people choose peanut butter, and I can see why: it’s delicious! But if you’re allergic or intolerant or just plain don’t like it, there are other options! Almond butter is one of my favorite things in the world. There’s also sunflower seed butter and a bunch of others you can try. Also, if you aren’t a huge fan of apples, you can literally replace it with anything because nut butters taste good with everything: bananas, pears, celery, or carrots. Keep this handy snack in your backpack for ultimate snack-age!
5. Air-popped popcorn. This is my favorite snack anytime of the day but especially at night. I don’t mean microwave popcorn bags that are filled with chemicals and trans fats that are no good for you. I mean little popcorn kernels! It’s so easy to make these in bulk and just take to the library with you. All you need are popcorn kernels, brown paper bags (you know, the ones you used to take lunch to school back in the day), and your favorite toppings! Grab about ¼ cup of popcorn kernels, and pour them into the paper bag. Seal the bag by folding down the opening and microwave for about 2 ½-3 minutes. Once they’re done, sprinkle with your favorite toppings to make the most delicious and healthy snack on the planet! (My favorite topping is a dash of salt, a packet of stevia, and a few dashes of ground cinnamon.) It’s the perfect snack because it’s filling (so much fiber in those little kernels, its crazy), it lasts longer (you’ll see how much popcorn you get from ¼ cup of kernels), and popcorn is a whole grain which is perfect to fuel your brain during those late nights.
6. Froyo. You didn’t think this would be here right? Some snacks don’t have to be the healthiest; sometimes you have to think of your sanity before your health! So treat yourself to some Pinkberry in the GSU. Just make sure it’s a small so you can go extra hard on the toppings.
7. Nutty Extravaganza. Do you like the name I gave this? I thought really hard about it. But seriously, my mom gave me this snack in middle school and I have been addicted ever since. Grab a handful or two of your favorite nut (I like this with peanuts) and pour into a Tupperware container. Add a handfull of raisins. BOOM: PERFECT SNACK! If you want to make it even better (and yummier), add mini marshmallows to it and you actually have heaven in a box.
8. Herbal Tea. Okay, this isn’t exactly something you can eat, but tea really does help with studying. Green tea, white tea, black tea, chai tea: take your pick. Drink it with a packet of stevia, and you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle a few more hours at the library.
9. Sargent Choice Yogurt Parfait. If you’re a yogurt enthusiast, you know you love these. The GSU sells these (also by the fruit), and they make a perfect snack/mini meal!
10. Starbucks. Coffee is so important to everyone on an average day that not having it during finals might actually make people start convulsing. If that’s you, fear not. Though you can still get your coffee fix without taking a toll on your health, try to go for the healthier options. No whipped cream, caramel something, added sugar syrup things, or whatever else. Here’s a tip: The simpler the coffee, the better. A tall skim latte is perfect. If you are more of a chai tea latte person, ask them to use the tea bag rather than the syrup and no added sugar. Your brain and waistline will thank you later.
And there you have it! 10 Healthy Snack Ideas for reading period. Remember to keep yourself nourished and hydrated – keep a water bottle with you so you can refill it constantly, and go to the library with all of your snacks for the day so you can stay focused on what you are really there for: Facebook stalking. Just kidding. You’re there to study, right?