When you’re running a million miles a minute from your apartment to class, to work, to another class, to meeting a group project, and then off to your campus organization meetings, it’s a little too easy to forget to bring snacks and a lunch with you. Especially if you’re no longer sitting pretty with a meal plan on campus, those days when you forget your lunch box in the fridge are just the absolute worst. Here are some delicious and healthy snacks to always keep on hand in your backpack, purse, or even coat pocket so you can finally stop being that girl whose stomach is always making noise during class, because nobody wants to be that girl.
1. Fruit and nut bars
There are a ton of natural, organic and actually healthy fruit and nut bars on the market that are filling and delicious because of their high content in fiber, healthy fats, and even protein. A few of our favorite brands include Larabar, Kind, and Quest. What’s not to love with flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Cherry, and S’mores? They’ll hold you over for 2-3 hours at a time.
2. Pre-packaged nuts
Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts can be bought in portioned 100 calorie packages, which take up little space in your bag or pocket and will keep you feeling satisfied for a couple hours because of their healthy fat content. Go for the packages of natural nuts (okay, that sounds dirty) as opposed to the roasted and salted ones for a bit of a healthier option.
3. Fruits and veggies
Take 10-15 minutes out of your Sunday to slice up and package some bell peppers, strawberries, and baby carrots in snack-sized Ziplock bags for something easy to grab on your way out the door. While cutting produce is probably the last thing you want to be doing on your last day of the weekend, it takes barely any time and will save you time, money, and hunger for the week.
4. Pretzels and hummus
Remember those Ziplock bags you just used to package up some fruits and veggies? Get ‘em out again and stuff that baby up with some pretzels or pretzel chips. Then, take a small Tupperware container and fill it with a few spoonfuls of hummus. Voila! You’ve got yourself a quick and healthy snack that still satisfies the salty cravings we all have. Hummus is made with chickpeas, which contain natural sources of protein and fat. Pair that with a bit of carbs from the pretzels and you’re golden for a few hours between meals.
5. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is packed with protein and either low in fat or fat free. Every grocery store carries dozens of different brands and flavors of Greek yogurt, some even with fruit and granola included! Opt to bring a lunch box onto campus to keep these guys chilled and fresh to eat. Even if carrying another bag around can be a pain, it will also allow you to keep more snacks in one area, so you’re not taking up too much space in your backpack or purse, depending on how hungry you get throughout the day.
Don’t let your hunger turn into hanger. Prepare yourself before you leave the house to keep you satisfied and feeling good throughout the day. And when you finally get home after 14 hours of running around like a madwoman, treat yo’self to a delicious meal, some chocolate, and a glass of wine. Because at least the snacks you ate throughout the day were healthy, right?
Featured image via Lisa Fotios on Pexels
I pretty much live off of pretzels and hummus so I highly recommend #4!
My personal fav is goldfish! However, I have seen some students bring whole pizzas or get jimmy johns delivered to them in class!