Eating is hard in college. The Freshman 15 is real, and honestly, it can be hard to avoid. You have limited food options, often lack a kitchen during (at least) your first year, and don’t have the storage you’d like. Snacking can be a quick way to gain weight, and it sucks because most of the options (especially the cheap options) aren’t healthy. However, here are 10 healthy snacks in college that can hopefully make your life a little easier.
1. Fruit
Starting out with the obvious. Packed full of Vitamin C and other nutrients, fruit is great for your digestive system and your immune system. Whether you grab a bag of clementines, get mixed berries weekly, or stick with bananas, fruit is critical to eat. It fills you up and nurtures your body. It’s easy to forget, but make a reminder for yourself the next time you go to your campus store or make a grocery store run.
2. Granola/Oats and Yogurt
Protein and fiber. What’s better than that? I’m lactose intolerant, so I prefer to do a chia and cashew milk mixture with my granola or oats instead. Top with some fruit, and you’re good to go! If you want a great overnight oats recipe, you can find one here.
3. Hard Boiled Eggs
If you’re not vegan and you do have access to a stove, I highly recommend this. I like to boil about six or seven eggs at a time and then refrigerate them. This is an amazing snack because it takes very little effort, but it provides a lot of protein and different options. For example, you can cut the egg up and eat it in toast or a sandwich, you can eat it plain, or you can put it into a salad. Eggs are so versatile and are perfect healthy snacks in college.
4. Cashews (Nuts in General)
If you’re not allergic to them, nuts are great! They have a ton of protein, fiber, and healthy fat, and they might even help alleviate period cramps. My go-to is cashews, but peanuts and almonds are also great options. Nuts can be a little costly, but if you alternate with other snacks, it’s worth it. Just be sure your roommates don’t have any allergies first!
5. Raw Fruit Bars
If you want a quick and easy snack on the go, raw fruit bars are a great option. Stores like Trader Joes sell them for low prices, and they are simply dried fruit in a bar form. Quick, easy, and healthy. That’s what we like!
6. Veggie Sticks (+Hummus)
Fairly simple to to prepare, veggie sticks and hummus are a perfect low-calorie, healthy college snack. As long as you have a knife (or baby carrots!) and a fridge, you can do this easily. Trader Joe’s and Costco also both sell small packs of these, which will make your life even easier!
7. Cheese and Crackers
Another simple snack. If you get low calorie crackers (preferably whole wheat and something without too much salt) and add your pick of cheese, you automatically have both carbs and a protein. Once more, if you look at your local grocery store, you can probably find a wide variety of cheeses to try. If you’re lactose intolerant, there are several cheeses low in lactose or without lactose!
8. Smoked Salmon and Crackers
Salmon is amazing. Delicious, full of Omega 3, and packed with protein, it’s the full package. If you want to be fancy when making snacks in college, shoot to impress with some smoked salmon and whole wheat crackers. It’s pretty affordable at stores like Trader Joes, and it will make you forget that you’re in a dorm–if only just for a moment.
9. Popcorn
Popcorn is fun, easy, and delicious. When you’re considering fast snacks in college, it should be one of the first options in your mind. Be sure to avoid popcorn with too much butter or salt. In fact, if you’re able to, buy the kernels and a popping bowl that you can use in the microwave. You’ll save money compared to just buying a bag of pre-popped popcorn every time.
10. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is actually healthy for you, and it potentially assists in serotonin production, which helps depression. Next time you feel a craving for sweets, grab the dark chocolate first.
More Effort Required
Here are five more ideas for healthy snacks in college that require a little bit more effort.
11. Peanut Butter Energy Balls
One of my all time favorite recipes! Made from just five ingredients (peanut butter, honey, oats, chocolate chips, and ground flax seeds), this recipe is delicious and packed with protein. It tastes so sweet that you’d think it’s not healthy, but it’s actually great for you! No baking is required–just a little bit of getting your hands dirty.
12. Trail Mix
While you can always get a pack of trail mix at Costco or your local grocery store, it might be healthier to make it yourself. Add a mixture of some of your favorite nuts, raisins or other dried fruit, and chocolate (preferably dark). Try to minimize the amount of salt, mix it up, and put it in a bag for between classes!
13. Homemade Granola Bars
As aforementioned, granola is a key ingredient to use when making healthy and easy college snacks. This recipe for homemade granola bars is easy, fast, and full of fiber. It’s a great option for breakfast or a snack!
14. Baked Eggplant
If you have access to a dorm oven, try making baked eggplant strips! Eggplant is criminally underused; however, it is full of nutrients and delicious. Using a sharp knife, slice the eggplant into thin strips. Sprinkle with olive oil and spices, throw in the oven and wait until crispy, and you have a quick, delicious snack!
15. Cowboy Caviar
This is one of the easiest and healthiest snacks in college, although I honestly eat it as dinner. Add different types of beans, corns, some other veggies, and a zesty little dressing, and you have a delicious product. If you add rice to it, you can make it into a meal! Try out this recipe here. Thank me later.
A Final Word
It’s not always easy to eat healthy in college. There are several temptations, as well as a lack of structure and more difficult access to healthy snacks. However, these recipes for snacks in college should help you to get on the right path without too much effort. Boost your confidence and your energy by changing a few small habits! What other recipes do you have? Let me know!
Photo Credit: Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash
