itAll of us have our vices. Mine happens to be food (can that really be considered a vice??). However, my love for food often has me facing an upward battle with weight gain. As someone who is lazy yet still trying to keep in shape, I am always on the lookout of somewhat acceptable snacks that will hopefully not break my bank (and hopefully not my scale). With the inevitable Freshman 15 looming in the distance, I decided to brainstorm a list of yummy, yet healthy snacks for when you get the munchies aka me every night while watching Netflix. All my college brethren, I hope you find this list somewhat helpful so that you never need to feast on a bowl of your hangry tears during those daunting late nights of procrastination studying.
1. Those beautiful peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets from Costco
Honestly, I would get a Costco membership just so that I could buy these by the truckload. They're highly addicting, but I justify my actions by telling myself that they're definitely healthier than the Doritos bag in the corner of my room. Anywho, who can resist any food with 'nugget' in the name?? Another plus: The peanut butter actually tastes legit-- none of that low quality Skippy texture, just the real deal. Costco, keep up with the fire snacks.
2. Fruits (duh.)
While definitely not *as* fun as a bag of chips, fruits are always a great snack. With most college dining halls having plenty of selection, it is easier on the wallet to smuggle a few apples or bananas on the way out (DISCLAIMER: you did not pick up such a dishonest lifestyle from me). A bowl of sliced apple with a side of peanut butter (or almond butter if that is to your fancy) is believe it or not, quite satisfying. The same can be said about bananas and nutella-- a big favorite of mine. Finally, a totally different type of fruit snack (not Welch's, sorry) could be frozen grapes. A refreshing alternative to ice cream, this could be your new breakup snack.
3. Low Sodium Popcorn
A common reason for the dorm fire alarm blaring at odd hours, popcorn is a classic late night snack. I mean, what's a better snack when you're watching a thrilling documentary on bees? Instead of going for the typical buttery popcorn, look for the more healthy options such as the low-sodium or low-fat varieties. Even better, if you have your own popcorn maker, pop your own kernels. Get creative-- raid the spice selection at your local supermarket (Taco Seasoning is never a bad option).
4. String Cheese
Although juvenile, who can resist the tactile enjoyment of string cheese? There are several healthier options available such as the low fat varieties. There are few foods that actually have the strong consumer-interaction that string cheese possesses.
5. Low Sodium Pita Chips
Ditch those Lays Sour Cream and Onion Chips hiding under your bed (I see you). Pita Chips are just as delicious. With so many flavors available, I'm certain every person can find a bag to fall in love with. And let's be honest, although they are baked, they definitely don't leave you disappointed the way baked potato chips do. That empty disappointment is actually so unacceptable, especially during the Midnight Munchies.
6. Dark Chocolate
For all my classy and TRUE chocolate lovers out there, dark chocolate is another great option. Because there is more cacao present, there are several antioxidants present. Ahem, this makes for a good excuse to just continue with life and consume your favorite sweet (Milk chocolate, move over-- you basic). In addition, here's a lesser known fact about dark chocolate that I have lived on for the past many years: it makes you smarter. Okay, maybe not exactly smarter, but there have been several studies that show that it makes you sharper, which is definitely necessary as you enter that 4am void.
7. Chicken Nuggets
Any person who actually knows me was probably waiting for this moment. Yes, I admit it, I am a chicken nuggets addict (dinosaur-shaped ones are the best). And yes, there are some not so healthy options out there. But if you scour the frozen food tundra of the supermarket, you are guaranteed to find several mom-approved boxes of organic chicken nuggets. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to enjoy a sumptuously juicy chicken nugget and lick off the bread crumbs off their fingers while they struggle to write the conclusion of their literary analysis? Only me? Okay, I get it...
And there you have it. A somewhat acceptable list of snacks that can quell the Midnight Munchies that seem to attack every college student. Good luck for the upcoming year, my friends, and please don't come find me if you still gained weight due to your snacking habits.
