Let’s face it: dieting sucks. As a college student, it can be easy to fall into the temptation of a late-night burger and fries. You try to cut back on the snacking, but when it comes down to it, a hangout is much more fun when brownies are involved. A full day of classes doesn’t help, which can explain the bag of crushed Doritos and melting M&Ms at the bottom of your backpack. Eating healthy is a daunting task, and the “freshman 15” is very much real. So, what can you do to stop the nightly cravings and choose wiser on-the-go snacks?
Eat more of less. It may sound odd, but eating smaller portions more frequently is actually better than simply eating a big breakfast, lunch and dinner. Because you aren’t eating a full meal, you are putting fewer calories in your body. This helps your body steady your metabolism and helps you feel less hungry throughout the day. Unfortunately, eating at night is not a healthy choice, especially if you are trying to lose or keep off weight. My opinion is to stay away from foods after 8:00 p.m. I was guilty of scooping myself a bowl of ice cream every night when I was in high school; college quickly killed off that nightly desire.
Now that I rambled about what to and not to do, I want to give you some of the quick and easy snacks you can pack when on the move! I’ve been on this meal and snack plan for about five weeks—thanks to the training center I attend—and it has helped immensely… why not share?
Rice cake with peanut butter: A rice cake is the perfect substitution for those of you who like the crunch of a chip. Simply pack a rice cake in a baggie, and snag a to-go peanut butter packet. If you don’t feel like bringing a utensil for spreading, you can always break up your cake and dip.
Dry roasted edamame and dried cranberries: These green beans may look funky, but when paired with dried cranberries, it creates a sweet and salty treat. A ½ cup of edamame to a ¼ cup of cranberries is the perfect blend!
Half an apple: If you are going somewhere and need a quick pick-me-up snack, this sliced fruit is just what you need. Buying pre-sliced apples makes it simple to grab five pieces and head out the door. They’re sweet and can satisfy hunger, and don’t forget that saying about the doctor!
Serving size of almonds: I thought it was silly to eat only a “serving size,” but that small amount surprisingly filled me up. The good thing about almonds is that many brands offer a variety of flavors! (Did someone say dark chocolate almonds?)
Don’t stress too much about your eating habits just yet; we are still young, wild and free. If you are looking for a way to eat a little better, however, I encourage you to try these simple snacks—they’re my go-to!
