With full schedules almost every day of the week, buying a box of nuggets at Chick-fil-A on campus may seem like the most ideal hunger-squelcher to get you through your day, but it can become a bad habit. Wasting money and calories on the “quick fix” is something we are accustomed to as college students. But there is no time like the present to makeover your snacking routine with some take-from-home options that will give you the energy you need without weighing you down with empty calories. Next time you head out to grocery store, pick up a few of these to throw in your bag during an especially busy day on campus. It’s also never a bad idea to invest in a little lunchbox, there are plenty of cute options out there and it will save you the time of standing in the excruciating lunchtime cafeteria lines.
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Guacamole to go, made by brands like Wholly Guacamole offer 100 calorie packs of avocado perfection. These are perfect for an afternoon snack with a small serving of tortilla chips, as the fat in the avocado will help keep you feeling fuller longer.
- Greek yogurt with granola. There’s a reason that greek yogurt has been so fervently recommended lately: it has all the great aspects of yogurt without all the extra sugary stuff that most “fancier” yogurt includes. Go with the basic vanilla and mix in some granola for extra flavor and texture. Earth Fare has a great selection of in-house baked granola… and if you so happen to pick the kind with chocolate chips stirred in, we won’t judge.
- Banana and almond butter. This serving of fruit with creamy almond butter will give even the most die-hard peanut-butter lovers a new outlook.
- Walnuts or pistachios. Just a small amount of nuts like these will turn down your hunger and give you a quick (no refrigeration needed) pick me up.
- Apples are quick, easy, and you can eat them when you’re waiting on the bus without feeling like you’re awkwardly juggling an entire meal.
- Dark chocolate. A small amount of chocolate is proven to do your body good, but only if you’re nibbling in moderation on something a bit darker than milk chocolate filled with caramel. Look for something labeled 70% or up, it’s bitter, but any less and it starts crossing into junk food territory.
- Hummus leaves lots of room for creativity. There are countless types and flavors offered at grocery stores and you can scoop with whole wheat pita, red pepper, or even cucumber.
Whether you’re rushing off to class, internship hours, or a meeting, don’t get stuck without anything to eat but a Snickers from the library vending machine. While we do condone the occasional indulgence, you’ll feel better and more energized if you’re putting good food into your body.