We all know that the life of a college student is crazy busy! It can be hard to think of easy, quick snacking options that are also healthy. Snacks are important because they help us consume all of our needed nutrients for the day. Snacks also help prevent overeating in the evening. Here are thirty-five ideas for healthy snacks that can be thrown into your purse or backpack at the last minute. For these types of snacks, Ziploc bags and Tupperware containers are a great investment.
- A banana—just throw it in your backpack
- Whole or sliced apple—take some peanut butter or almond butter in a small Tupperware for dipping.
- Peanut butter and jelly/ honey sandwich—use whole wheat bread to add fiber and more protein.
- Washed strawberries—place in Ziploc (or Tupperware if they might get squished).
- Cut cantaloupe—in Ziploc or Tupperware, bring a plastic fork.
- Washed grapes—buy a bag and rip off bunches to stick in Ziplocs.
- Fruit (peaches, pears—can use canned) and cottage cheese in a Tupperware. Don't forget a spoon.
- Raw nuts—almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts.
- Lettuce wrap—stick low-sodium deli meat, cheese, and tomato slices inside a large piece of lettuce, roll or wrap and stick in a Ziploc.
- Organic or raw fruit/nut bars (such as Larabar).
- KIND bars—nut based and a great source of protein.
- Low fat chocolate milk—buy in to-go sized bottles. This is a good way to get in some of your daily dairy and are a great source of protein and energy.
- Prepared nutrition shakes (such as Carnation Breakfast Essentials)—great snacks for an energy boost, contain lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Also more calorie dense than other snack options
- Cheese sticks
- Whole grain crackers with soft cheese or regular sliced cheese.
- Whole wheat/bran/flax muffins- these are a great source of fiber, protein and energy. Homemade are better because store bought may have a lot of added sugar.
- Yogurt- a great option if eaten within a few hours (5-6) of being removed from the fridge. Greek yogurt has even more protein than regular and is also a great choice. Don't forget a spoon.
- Dry roasted edamame beans- sold ready to be eaten. Put some in a Ziploc and throw it in your backpack for a high protein, high fiber, low calorie snack.
- Fruit puree pouches (like the ones made by Peter Rabbit Organics)- these don't contain as much fiber as whole fruit, but are super easy for on-the-go. Pick options with little to no added sugar.
- Whole wheat tortilla and hummus—spread hummus on tortilla, fold or roll and stick in a Ziploc.
- Brown rice cake.
- Whole wheat or bran cereal—in a Ziploc.
- Make-ahead salad—make a salad for dinner the night before and stick the leftovers in a Tupperware for tomorrow. Bring another small Tupperware with dressing or buy individual sized dressing packets (sold on Amazon).
- Salted tomato slices—in a Ziploc or Tupperware.
- Popcorn—a great source of fiber! Pre-pop and place in a Ziploc or Tupperware. Take fat and salt content into account.
- Classic carrot and celery sticks—bring dressing or hummus for dipping.
- Low-sodium, low-fat beef jerky- a great source of protein.
- Dried fruit- source of lots of vitamins and minerals and fiber.
- Homemade apricot bars. Recipe: http://www.wholeliving.com/172998/chocolate-apricot-nut-bars?czone=e¢er=136761&gallery=136112&slide=172998.
- Snap peas- eat the pod and all!
- Roasted pumpkin seeds—especially great around Halloween time. Save seeds from Jack-O-Lanterns and remove all of the pumpkin pulp. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick sprays and spread the seeds onto it. Brush tops of seeds with olive or vegetable oil. Sprinkle desired spices on top (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc). Cook for 1 hour at 250 F. (Can also purchase pre-made at the grocery store)
- Sliced cucumber—in a Ziploc.
- Broccoli and cauliflower bites—buy whole in produce department or pre-cut. Take dressing for dipping.
- Half a whole wheat bagel with cream cheese—half of a large bagel is equal to 1 serving of grains.
- Apple sauce cups—pre-portioned or in a Tupperware. Little to no added sugar is best.