Fit to Go: Healthy snacks for a busy schedule

If you’re like most college students, eating is one of those things you do when you get around to it.  And usually when you do find time for it, choices are limited, and what is convenient isn’t always the most nourishing.  With a few kitchen staples though, anyone can have nutritious and delicious snacks available and ready to go when you walk out the door.

Healthy snacking, where a person has a small snack about every 3 hours between meals can help stabilize blood sugar and keep metabolism up.  For a long day of classes, you can count on better mental clarity and focus by implementing a few healthy snacks into your day.

For staying power, it is best to have a snack with a little bit of protein, some complex carbohydrates, and perhaps a smattering of fat.  I’ve compiled a list of readily available foods to have on hand for a healthy snack whenever you need one.

Carbohydrate Foods:

-Whole/sliced fruits (apples, pears, oranges, etc.)

-Whole/sliced vegetables (carrot/celery sticks, green peppers, etc.)

-Dried fruit (dates, raisins, dried cranberries, cherries, prunes, etc.)

-Whole grain crackers

Look for products with the least amount of added sugar and preservative and avoid bleached enriched flour or unbleached enriched flour

Protein Foods:

-Nuts and nut butter (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc.)

Serve as a source of some protein, but also bolster significant amounts of healthy fats

-Milk/dairy products (yogurts, cheese, soy milk, etc.)

Milk and dairy products carry an ample amount of protein, and can be bought in lower fat versions or higher fat

 

There are several options out there for healthy snacks, but instead of digging out the quarters for the vending machines, why not plan ahead and rest assured that you have the power of nutrition on your side?