As a busy college student, your health could be jeopardized by a packed schedule, limited funds and an unbalanced diet.

If your stomach won’t stop growling while you’re trying to study, it’s time to find convenient, nutritious snacks that will give you energy and keep you full without emptying your wallet.

By eliminating unhealthy foods from your diet and incorporating more nutrient-dense grocery items, you could improve your academic performance and reduce the risk of illness. Consuming enough proteins, fibers and high-quality carbohydrates could give you the long-lasting energy boost that you might not get from a midnight pizza run.

Not Your Average Snack

A successful study session requires focus, memory and alertness stimulated by food that will help you accomplish your goals. It can be difficult as a college student to take control of your diet, but homework fuel doesn’t have to look or taste the same every day.

Try swapping those generic granola bars and potato chips for these snack ideas that offer an assortment of nutritional benefits. You don’t even need an oven to prep them.

• Turkey pinwheels –

  Top some turkey with thinly sliced tomato or other vegetables, cheese and spinach, then roll it all into a mini wrap. Turkey is a rich source of B vitamins, and three ounces can hold 24 grams of protein.

• Cucumber “crackers” –

  Swap salty crackers for slices of cucumber and spread with your favorite (homemade) hummus or other topping. Cucumbers are about 96% water, low in calories and high in vitamins and antioxidants.

• Cottage cheese and fruit –

  A “dip” that works with just about any fruit, cottage cheese contains a lot of calcium and helps regulate blood pressure. Consider adding some crackers (or cucumbers) for a crunch.

• Healthy Banana Cream Pie –

  Layer graham cracker pieces, vanilla Greek yogurt, banana slices and flax seed for a healthy rendition of the sweet dessert. Greek yogurt and flax seeds are packed with nutrients and dietary fiber.

• Fresh carrot-beet juice –

  Ditch the sugar-packed smoothie for blended carrot and beet juice. Beets fight inflammation and promote digestive health while carrots improve eye function.

• No-Bake Fruit Crisp –

  Heat up granola and your favorite fruit in a bowl until its soft and warm for another sweet dessert alternative. Picking a low-sugar granola with flax seeds, chia seeds and almonds can boost gut health and reduce cholesterol levels.

• Potato poppers –

  Microwave some small red potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a satisfying snack to hold you over until dinner. Potatoes are high in fiber, potassium and they’re naturally gluten-free.

• Homemade hummus –

  Save on this creamy spread by making a puree of dried chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Full of plant-based protein, hummus is rich in iron, phosphorus and has a ton of B and C vitamins.

• Chocolate covered espresso beans –

  If you’re itching for your afternoon frappe, try dark chocolate covered espresso beans for a caffeinated jump-start. Espresso strengthens long-term memory and improves concentration.

• A twist on buttered toast –

  It might sound plain, but the possibilities of toast are endless. If you want it sweet, spread peanut butter and top with bananas or cover with yogurt and berries.

  If you’re looking for something more savory, layer on some avocado and garlic. Whole grain toast helps control weight and redistribute fat while helping you feel fuller for longer.

other valuable tips:

How Should You Start Your Day in College?

How to Put Your Health First When You’re Living on a College Student Budget

Switching up these traditional snacks could make you more inclined to focus on the task at hand while giving your body the nutrition it deserves. Keep your energy and concentration levels high to help you during every study session. A balanced diet in college could increase your chances of building lifelong healthy habits and help you earn that A on your next exam.

Author bio: ValoreBooks is a marketplace solution for students to buy, rent and sell college textbooks online. The ValoreBooks platform also offers stores an avenue to sell or liquidate excess textbook inventories at market rates, and gives textbook sellers access to more customers.

Image Credit: healthy snacks by Pixabay

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