So you’re on your third cup of coffee but still yawning. You may think you’re out of options, other than sugary energy drinks or sketchy caffeine pills, but you’re wrong: you’ve got another option. Make some of these yummy snacks to keep you feeling energized and make sure you don’t hit a sugar-induced slump.
1. Popcorn with Olive Oil
For a quick and easy snack with a low calorie count try heating up some olive oil and pouring some over your favorite microwave popcorn. Then you can throw this snack in a plastic baggy and head to the library!
2. Spicy Baked Chickpeas
If you want to make a snack before bed to have something to eat the next morning before your final, try this great recipe. You’re used to chickpeas in hummus or with other veggies in a salad, but add some spices, throw them in the oven, and they can be absolutely delicious all on their own.
3. Hard-Boiled Egg
Hard-boiled eggs are full of protein and vitamins including B12, B6, folate, riboflavin, and thiamin and are easy to transport as needed. Many stores on campus also carry pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs so you may not even have to make these yourself.
4. Almonds
Almonds are low in calories and full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein that will definitely help keep you energized. They are an easy snack you can continually snack on or reward yourself with after getting through a few practice problems.
5. Fruit paired w/ Peanut Butter
The natural sugars within fruit takes longer to metabolize than that Milky way bar you’re probably eyeing in the vending machine. Take the time to make this snack by grabbing some fruit and a peanut butter pack or a dollop from your jar and you’ll thank yourself later when you aren’t suffering through a sugar crash. The protein in the peanut butter will also give you that extra kick.
6. Red Peppers
Red peppers are rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C which are good for your skin and also your energy levels. They also contain lycopene which has recently been linked to cancer prevention.
7. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds have twice the protein than mixed nuts and the phytochemicals found within them are known to help promote cognitive functions. Exactly what you need to power through that final paper.
8. Cucumber Slices w/ Chili Powder, Salt, and Lime Juice
My freshman roommate taught me this recipe and though I was hesitant at first, it really tastes good. Somehow the chili powder, salt, and lime juice all works together for a satisfying taste. The spices really help keep you awake when you’re cramming all that reading you conveniently forgot to do until now into a night or two.
9. Dried Fruit
Now dried fruit can be a little tricky. It can be very healthy and dried fruit are full of natural sugars but make sure you choose a brand that doesn’t add sugars or additives or you may veer into that dangerous sugar crash zone I talked about before.
10. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a good snack because it is full of protein and crunchy so that you can stay awake while chewing on the strips. You can even make your own beef jerky ahead of time if you’re procrastinating.