Being a college student is the most time consuming part of my life. Between classes, exams, study groups and a social life, I even have to remind myself to eat! Instead of running through a fast food drive-through, why not try these healthy snacks that are just as quick and infinitely better for you!
Pistachios
At first, I was nervous to try these weird little green nuts. I didn’t know if I could eat the shell, and the color of the nut alone made me steer clear for the longest time. But much to my surprise, pistachios are SO good! Don’t even get me started on pistachio ice cream (sorry, that didn’t make it on my healthy snacks list). According to Organic Facts, Pistachios are one of the few nuts that contain most of the nutrients that are required by humans for complete health. The fat content is also the lowest compared to other nuts. TNot to mention, they eliminate dryness in skin and hair. Can they get any better?! Now that I’m hooked, I bring a bag everywhere I go. The Wonderful brand can be found at basically any convenience store, and even makes one-ounce bags that are perfect for snacking on the go.
String Cheese
We might relate string cheese back to when we were kids, but can we all admit that there’s still that satisfying pleasure when you get the perfect strip of cheese? Most brands sell string cheeses in different varieties of cheeses, like the classic mozzarella or cheddar. According to bodybuilding.com, this portable snack comes in around 90 calorie servings, and offers a source of protein that’s light in carbohydrates. Too much cheese can be fattening, but when eaten in moderation, it’s beneficial. The cheese in string cheeses are good too because they aren’t processed like products such as American cheese. *shudders*
Pomegranate Seeds
If you follow Kylie Jenner on Snapchat, you know that she’s obsessed with pomegranate seeds and for good reason! A half cup of the juicy, crunchy seeds contain only 72 calories. I’ll have 10 servings please! Pomegranate seeds also enhance beneficial effects when it comes to fighting bacterial infections, according to research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Studies have also reported memory and other cognitive benefits of polyphenols, which are found in pomegranate seeds and their juice. Although getting to the seeds can be a pain in the butt for especially busy people, most grocery stores offer pre-packaged containers of the ruby-red seeds. Perfect for packed lunches!
Dark Chocolate
Yes, I said chocolate. Before you get carried away and start thinking that all chocolate is healthy, it’s specifically the stuff with more than 70% cocoa content that I’m referring to. Dark chocolate might be too bitter for some, but for others it’s a delicious, rich snack. AuthorityNutrition.com says it has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, and like pomegranate seeds, is a good source of antioxidants. Dark chocolate also contains stimulants like caffeine, but fortunately for the caffeine-sensitive, the amount is very small compared to that in a cup of coffee. Again, everything is good in moderation; a few pieces on your way to an exam can keep you alert, and let’s be real, probably in a good mood because who doesn’t love chocolate?!
Almond Butter
Peanut butter was my guilty pleasure, that is, until I met almond butter. Although it’s not as sweet, this gritty nut butter pairs SO well with an apple, celery or some toasted crackers (or of course, on it’s own)! A fourth cup serving contains five grams of protein, according to healthyeating.com, which means it’s filling and produces long-lasting energy. This is good for a collegiette like me who’s always on the go. Compared to peanut butter, almond butter has less sugar, and more Vitamin E and Iron. To top it off, just 1 tablespoon of almond butter is the protein equivalent as 1 ounce of meat. For packing lunches, Justin’s brand makes the perfect serving size pouch that you can squeeze onto whatever you please for a nutritious and time efficient snack!
Although it might not always seem like it, it’s actually very easy to fight hunger, stay energized and eat healthy all at once! The examples I listed are just a few of the many snacks that will keep you in tip-top shape and on time!