Finals week is just around the corner; a stressful time for every college student. We all have our ways of coping with stress, and if you’re like me, snacking is the way to go! I don’t have much scientific basis to explain why I get so hungry during exam season, but I like to think it’s because of all the calories I burn while reading. But snacking a lot can be unhealthy, especially if you’re eating too much of the same food. Here are six of my favorite healthy snacks to get you through this stressful time.
- Smoothies
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I have an eternal love for smoothies. They’re quick to make, you can be creative with them, and they’re packed with nutrients! One of my favorite combos involves bananas, honey, flaxseeds, berries, and spinach. You can never go wrong with a smoothie as long as you remember to build upwards from your base ingredients and then have fun with your favorite fruits and sweeteners.
Health benefits: Smoothies are great while studying as berries and leafy greens are great for your skin and health, and they’re super energizing!
- Roasted Chickpeas
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Whether it be store-bought or homemade, roasted chickpeas are a healthy alternative if you’re craving something crunchy and spicy. I love my chickpeas with Peri-Peri or Italian seasoning, but you can season with whatever your favorite flavors are.
Health benefits: Chickpeas are very high in protein and also a great source of fiber.
- Popcorn
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Popcorn is another all-time favorite, just because of its versatility. As long as you go easy on the salt, it can be a really healthy snack too! The best part is you can add your favorite spices or flavors to the popcorn and make it fun and tasty. I prefer my popcorn with chili-lime seasoning or cinnamon and brown sugar as a sweet alternative. There are tons of other variations you can try!
Health benefits: Popcorn has a lot of antioxidants, few calories, and is a good source of fiber.
- Fruits with Greek yogurt
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This is a snack I have been having since I was a little girl, and it’s the perfect treat for summers! It is also quick to make-dip fruits like bananas, berries, pineapples, or mangoes into plain or flavored Greek yogurt. Chill the yogurt-covered fruits for a few hours and they’ll be all ready to go! They are absolutely delicious and even taste like mini popsicles.
Health benefits: Fruits with yogurt have probiotic and antioxidant benefits, and although they taste sweet, they are very low on sugar.
- Tortilla wraps
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Yes, I’m referring to the three-fold tortilla wraps that you have probably seen on Instagram. What I didn’t know before I tried them is how easy to make yet filling, they are. My favorite wrap includes mozzarella cheese, ham/turkey, and mushrooms or yellow peppers. Two of these could be a quick lunch for me in between study breaks. This is a must-try for you to find out what flavor combos you love in your tortilla!
Health benefits: Tortilla wraps made with just 3-4 ingredients are low on calories and a good way to energize yourself.
- Baked seaweed and sweet potato chips
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This would not be my top choice for a snack, but they are still healthy and taste pretty good! You could definitely try store-bought seaweed or sweet potato chips, as it might be time-consuming to make them yourself. They come in many flavors and are definitely a healthy alternative to fried potato chips.
Health benefits: Seaweed chips are a great source of vitamins and iodine, while sweet potato is wonderful for your immune system and mineral intake.
These are my favorite tried and tested snacks, and they definitely curb my cravings during finals week. The best part is that I feel very energized after snacking on one of these while studying. Good luck with your finals, have fun, and happy snacking!
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