We all know it isn’t always easy when it comes to eating healthy snacks in college. With such busy schedules, it can be hard to find time to plan what you are going to eat for the day, resulting in grabbing a bag of chips or candy bar.
As it turns out, eating healthy can be a lot easier than you think, and just as delicious. Eating right can help maximize your energy and boost endorphins to make you an overall happier person.
Along with choosing healthy snacks, it is just as important to make sure you get enough water. Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go and fill it up every chance you get. Water is one of the best ways to detox.
Here are some healthy snack ideas for you to munch on.
1. Rice cake with almond butter
Switching out peanut butter for almond butter can be a great alternative. It has slightly less fat and is lower in sodium. Almond butter also contains more fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Almond butter pairs great with rice cakes, especially the caramel flavor. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a great way to satisfy your craving.
Rice cakes are also cheap, low in calories and fat-free.
2. Carrot chips with hummus
For a savory option, try carrot chips with hummus. Carrot chips are great because they have an extra crunch and are great for dipping.
Hummus is a dip that originated in the Middle East, usually made from smashed chickpeas, olive oil, garlic and lemon. Hummus comes in a variety of flavors, such as roasted pepper or even taco.
3. RX bars
An RX bar is a whole food protein bar. Displayed on the front of the package is literally every ingredient the bar contains. For example, the mixed berry flavor contains three egg whites, six almonds, four cashews and two dates.
These are a great source of protein to snack on right before the gym for an extra boost of energy. Knowing what is inside your granola/protein bars is very important because a lot of them have a ton of extra added sugar.
4. Mixed nuts
Easy and filling. Grabbing a bag of mixed nuts to snack on between classes is a great option.
Almonds, pistachios and cashews are usually the best options. They are the lowest-calorie options, but also have healthy fats.
Make sure you are buying raw or dry roasted nuts. These are the healthiest option because they do not have a ton of extra salt and sugar.
5. Almond milk smoothie
This smoothie is very filling and tasty. Substitute cow’s milk for almond milk because it has 50 percent fewer calories than regular milk. It is also free of cholesterol and saturated fats.
Add frozen berries and organic orange juice and, if you like your smoothies thick, add Greek yogurt or more ice.
Another way to get nutritional benefits out of your smoothie is to add flaxseeds or chia seeds.
6. Lettuce sandwich wrap
This easy switch can help you cut carbs and lower your sugar and caloric intakes.
Simply buy a head of lettuce next time you go grocery shopping; peel off the big pieces of lettuce and stuff them with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
It’s the same concept as Jimmy John’s “un-which” style. I often take a cheese stick, wrap turkey around it and then wrap my piece of lettuce around it, and there you have it, a low-carb snack or lunch.
7. Chicken salad with whole grain crackers
Take a serving of canned chicken, shred the chicken, then dump in a bowl. After this, add a whole avocado to give it a creamy base; if needed, I also add a little mayo sometimes. Mix all the ingredients together and it’s ready to go.
If you want to add a little crunch, chop up some celery or add some cashews.
Whole grain crackers are a great healthy substitute for regular crackers. They offer more nutritional benefits and less salt.