What better way is there to get through a boring homework assignment than by grabbing a snack to eat while you work? If there is one, we haven’t found it yet. But study snacks don’t have to be either unhealthy or boring with no in-between – there is a middle ground between potato chips and broccoli. Here are seven of our favorite (healthy!) study snacks.
- Apples and peanut butter: Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, and makes for a great pick-me-up throughout the day. Spread on some apples to add some sweetness and crunch, this snack is one of the best!
- Mixed nuts: Nuts are filled with all sorts of good stuff – vitamins, fiber, protein, minerals, and more. Plus, they taste great with a little salt on top or paired with another snack.
- Cheese and pretzels: Cheese is another excellent source of protein, and will help give you the energy you need to finish your assignments. The carbohydrates from the pretzels will help to fill you up, so you don’t get distracted by a prolonged snack break.
- Fruit smoothie: Making your own fruit smoothie is the perfect way to fuel yourself up with healthy fruits and other ingredients (vanilla protein powder makes your smoothies taste like ice cream and gives you more energy!). Put seeds or nuts in the mix to make your smoothie more filling, and to give it a more creamy texture.
- Dark chocolate: Okay, so this one may seem like the opposite of a nutrient-rich food, but dark chocolate has actually been shown to have some amazing health benefits. Plus, dark chocolate contains caffeine (the darker the chocolate, the more it will have), so it’s great for days when you haven’t had your morning coffee and need to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Popcorn: Popcorn is another “unhealthy” food that, if made correctly, can be good for you while still tasting great. Plain, air-popped kernels are the best health-wise (you can add your own salt, butter, or other toppings afterward), but if you don’t want to make it yourself, brands like 365 Organic and Skinny Pop have a similar effect.
- Roasted chickpeas: This one takes a bit more preparation than the others, but it’s definitely worth it. Chickpeas are high in a multitude of nutrients, and are widely known for being a healthy alternative to a variety of less-healthy snacks. Roast them in the oven for 45-60 minutes, then sprinkle salt, seasonings, or other toppings on them, and you’re good to go!
Give these snacks a try and tag us on Instagram with these or other favorites!