For busy collegiettes™ always on the go, sitting down for three square meals a day can sometimes be a little difficult.
But getting in a small meal isn’t as hard as it seems with the availability of cheap, ready-made snacks in one of Elon’s many accessible on-campus cafés and grocery stores. Here are five healthy snack options that will ensure a satisfied appetite without taking time out of a busy schedule.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
When you’re craving a chocolate bar, parfaits satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra sugar and fat. The light combination of low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit and granola is not only tasty, but gives you a variety of healthy nutrients, including protein, calcium, potassium and vitamin B. Octagon is your best bet to find these.
Hummus with Vegetables and Pita Chips
Hummus, a spread made of mashed chickpeas and olive oil, is high in iron and vitamin C. It originated in the Middle East and has become popular in the United States, and it tastes great with lightly salted pita chips and crunchy vegetables. Varsity’s hummus is great, but Octagon also sometimes has small hummus packs.
Trail Mix
Trail mix combines several different ingredients in small portions, creating a delicious snack that is low in fat and calories but still satisfies your hunger. The healthiest kind of trail mix includes nuts, dried fruit and sunflower seeds with no added sugar or harmful preservatives. Additionally, it’s easy and cheap to make it yourself! If you can’t get the ingredients to make it yourself, buy a pack in downstairs Colonnades.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Smoothies are loaded with phytonutrients, which are derived from plants like fruits and vegetables, vitamins, minerals and enzymes in a whole-food form that is easily digested. Plus, most smoothies are mixed with energy boosters, so they provide a great substitution for ice cream or popsicles while simultaneously giving you energy to get you through the rest of your day. Acorn and Octagon both sell smoothies for a meal plan.
Sushi
Although this is often used as a dinner option, many of Elon’s dining sites offer prepackaged sushi that can be easily eaten as a snack. Sushi is high in omega-3 fatty acids and goes great with wasabi and ginger, which are also beneficial for the body. Octagon, Acorn and downstairs McEwen all sell sushi.
The next time you’re in a rush and need something to snack on, skip the French fries and opt for one of these healthy options instead. Your body, and your mood, will thank you later.
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Yogurt
Trail Mix