Your time in college can easily be some of the busiest years of your life. And while your campus may be able to keep things going 24/7, your body certainly can't.
Consequently, having smart snacks at the ready can be essential if you're going to keep yourself fueled for the day and keep your budget in check. That chocolate muffin at the campus coffee shop can wreak serious havoc on both your body and your bank account.
Students are always looking for ways to save money as well as time not only by asking someone to “write my essay fast”, but also by eating healthy snacks that are affordable too. With a little bit of planning, it is possible to eat healthy without breaking the bank.
There are a number of healthy snacks that are perfect for college students. For example, fruits and vegetables are not only healthy but also relatively inexpensive. Other good options include whole-wheat bread, peanut butter, and yoghurt.
In addition to being cheap, these snacks are also easy to make and can be stored in a dorm room without requiring any special equipment.
So if you are a college student on a budget, read on for some great tips on how to save money by eating healthy snacks!
Healthy Energy Bars
Be careful with these; a lot of them can be candy bars disguised as health or energy bars. If you need a pick-me-up in the morning, afternoon, or even during the break of a late-night class, an energy bar can be a smart choice. Buying them individually can be expensive, so consider purchasing them by the case. And keep an eye on calories and sodium before you make your purchase.
Fruit
Think packing a snack is too hard? Really? It's quite easy to just toss an apple, orange, or banana in your backpack. If you want to get funky, branch out to pears, cut-up jicama, or even sliced bell peppers.
If you're concerned that things will get squished in your bag, put things in a Ziploc bag that's blown up with air or wrap them in a paper towel.
Good ol' PB&J
A healthy snack from your childhood can indeed be a great staple during your college years, too. If you plan smartly - think whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and just a little jelly. Your classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich can give you the pop of energy you need when your energy starts to drain.
Yogurt
If you have a way to keep things cool (like a little fridge at your student job), yoghurt can be an excellent choice. Or if you find yourself ravenous and in the campus dining hall, head to the refrigerated section. Yoghurt is high in protein, can be easily and quickly eaten (in contrast, say, to that greasy pizza slice that smells so good), isn't too expensive, and can help you feel full. Just keep an eye on the sugar content and aim for something fruit-flavoured instead of chocolate mousse flavoured.
High-Fiber Crackers
Crackers can be a smart way to give yourself a little energy boost – if you're smart about it. A buttery thing made out of (or sprinkled with) fake cheese is not your best bet here. Be smart and buy something healthy instead: look for something made out of whole grains, baked (vs. fried), and containing a lot of fibre. If you have access to a fridge, consider adding a few slices of cheese for a protein boost, too.
Nuts
These are cheap (especially in bulk), can easily be thrown into your backpack, don't have to be refrigerated (with some exceptions), and can provide a nice dose of protein when you need it the most. Working with students as a paper helper, I found out that if you want to keep nuts healthy, aim for dry roasted or only very lightly salted options. And remember that moderation is key: a handful of plain almonds can be smart. An entire bag of chocolate-covered cashews can backfire.
Peanut-Butter-Filled Pretzels
These are all the rage these days, and with good reason: they're yummy, they're cheap, they transport easily, and they're a smart and sassy little snack. They have the right mix of sweet and salty, carbs and protein, and crunch and gooey-ness. Many stores have them in the snack aisle; places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods will have them as well.
Veggies and Hummus
While individually sized portions of hummus are easy to buy at the store and throw in your bag, they can also be expensive. Consider spending a few extra dollars on some tiny Ziploc containers that you can reuse; when you're packing a snack in the morning, it doesn't take too much time to add a few tablespoons of hummus into a tiny container and throw it in your bag. Fortunately, healthy snacks seem to go best with hummus as well. If you spend a few minutes at the beginning of each week cutting up some veggies like carrots, celery, jicama, cucumbers, peppers, or pretty much any other crunchy vegetable you like, you'll be set for the rest of the week with this easy and healthy snack.
Dried Fruit
Like some of the other suggestions here, you'll need to be smart about this choice; you don't want something that is completely loaded with sugar and devoid of vitamins. Look for minimally processed dried fruits that don't have sugar or other not-so-good-for-you ingredients added. Some dried fruits, like apricots or pineapple, can provide a comfortable food feel by being soft and chewy; others, like bananas, can help satisfy a snack craving with their satisfying crunch.
Water
Is this traditionally considered a snack? Probably not. However, getting enough water during the day is a key part of making sure you're thinking clearly, not feeling sluggish, and overall performing at your best. Instead of overpaying for bottled water at a local cafe, bring a water bottle from home so you can keep yourself consistently hydrated throughout the day. You just might surprise yourself with how big of a difference it can make!