Snacks for Finals

As you are studying for finals, remember to fuel your body with good food. Late night studying goes hand in hand with late night snacking. Reaching for snacks high in sugar, salt, and fat can leave you feeling tired and drained. Focus on foods that have natural sugars (fruit, low fat dairy, whole grains) and are minimally processed. Eat healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olives, avocados) in moderation and minimize added salt from packaged or prepared foods.

Try some of these delicious snacks that require close to zero cooking skills! Each recipe below serves 1.

Chocolaty Grapenuts

1/2 cup grapenuts

1/2 cup chocolate soy milk

Combine both ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

Microwave Potato Chips (really...you can do this in the microwave!)

Dorm adjustments...

No need for a mandolin, just slice potato thinly

Use herbs and spices instead of salt

Cereal Trail Mix

1/2 cup wheat Chex

1/4 cup dried fruit

2 TBSP unsalted nuts

1 TBSP mini chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients and enjoy!

S'more Oatmeal

1 TBSP mini dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup old fashioned or quick cooking oats

1 cup skim milk

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 jumbo marshmallow chopped or 2 TBSP mini marshmallows

1/2 graham cracker, broken into pieces

Combine oats and milk in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1.5 minutes or until the oatmeal is done. Stir the oatmeal and sprinkle with cinnamon. Sprinkle chocolate chips and marshmallows. Top the oatmeal with graham cracker pieces.

Easy Pickles: this makes a full batch. Use 1/4-1/2 cup as a serving

4 medium cucumbers, sliced

1/2 cup vinegar

1/4 cup water

2 TBSP dill

1 packet sweetener

dash of salt

dash of pepper

Place an ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Pineapple Water

Pitcher

Water

1 bag frozen pineapple chunks

12 mint leaves, torn

Place pineapple chunks and mint in the bottom of a pitcher. Fill with water and place in the refrigerator overnight. 

Italian Herb Popcorn

1 single serving bag reduced fat microwave popcorn

1/2 TBSP Italian seasoning

2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

dash of garlic powder

dash of salt

Pop microwave according to the package directions. When the popcorn finishes and while it is still hot, open the popcorn back and sprinkle in the seasonings and cheese. Shake the popcorn to distribute the seasonings.