Like to snooze your alarm for a few extra minutes in the morning? Always find yourself primping longer than you anticipated? Can’t seem to make it to the marketplace before your first class?
We’ve all been there. Stomach anxiously grumbling during the quiet periods of lecture. Concentration fading as every thought trails back to a nice thick slice of toast.
Never fear! I’ve compiled a slew of tasty breakfast treats you can store in your room and easily grab on the go. These go-to snacks are a perfect way to get your day off to the right start!
Simple Staples
Granola and Greek yogurt – Mix and match your favorite flavors! Granola comes with all kinds of mix-ins, and varieties of greek yogurt sweetened with honey or fruit can enhance this classic combination. Yogurt is full of protein, and with low fat & nonfat options, you can indulge in all the “mmm” of a parfait without the guilt. Granola can provide the energy needed to jump start your day, adding carbs for brain fuel and a little sugar for an extra boost. The best part about this choice? Everything you need is at the Marketplace, so you can use your meal plan to stock your dorm room.
Whole Wheat English Muffin with avocado– Complex carbohydrates are a great way to start the day because they become useable energy quickly, meaning more brain power and better focus, even in those early morning classes. You can also use whole wheat bagels, sandwich thins, or a piece of toast. Slices of avocado act as a creamy substitute for margarine or cream cheese, and add protein that is stored for energy later in the day. For a little extra flavor, try adding a dash of lemon and/or pepper.
Mid-morning Snack
Trail mix– Packed with protein and full of texture and flavor, trail mix comes in so many varieties that you really can’t go wrong. The Marketplace houses a small assortment, as do nearby businesses like Trader Joe’s, Fresh & Easy, and Target, all of which are in walking distance.
Grapefruit– Juicy, fruity, and ruby red, this snack can be especially refreshing on a hot day. The tartness will wake up your taste buds and keep you alert through another hour of lecture. Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, grapefruit can be a great immunity booster, as well.
For the Adventurous
Breakfast quinoa– I discovered this delicious take on a grain traditionally reserved for dinner last year at a brunch catered by Four Café. For those of you who are fans of granola and steel-cut oatmeal, I highly suggest branching out to this new variation. Quinoa is high in protein and fiber compared to other grains, and takes the flavor of whatever you pair it with. For this particular recipe, grind about a ¼ cup of trail mix in a food processor (or magic bullet if you brought one to campus). I prefer any variety with almonds, cashews, cranberries, and dark chocolate. Next, prepare the quinoa according to the instructions on the box. Quinoa is typically cooked at a 1:2 ratio, meaning one cup quinoa for every 2 cups of water boiled. Finally, add the ground trail mix to the prepared quinoa, and serve with soy or low fat milk. Prepare ahead of time and store in the fridge. Each batch prepares enough for about a week, so when you’re in a rush, pour some into a to-go container and enjoy the nutty, chewy, chocolatey goodness!
Water!! –Don’t forget to hydrate. Starting your day with a nice cold glass of H2O can save you from mid-day dehydration. Walking from classes to residence halls and back in the heat of the day can wear you out, especially if you live on upper campus, so be sure to pack a water bottle and refill every few hours.
Photo Sources:
evolutionvtg.blogspot.com/
foodandspice.blogspot.com/
What are some of your favorite snacks on the go?