The Ultimate Back-To-School Healthy Snack Guide

Let's face it, in college, it's not always easy to find the time (or energy) to eat three full well balanced meals everyday. This is why snacks are the key to success. does this seem even harder? Finding healthy and satisfying snacks like carrots with ranch or apples with peanut butter may be classics, but they can get old fast.

To spice things up, you have to get creative. Whether it be from paying attention to the snacks sold in front of the Starbucks register, utilizing your dining hall options, to just trying something out of your comfort zone (like going off campus to a local coffee shop.)

This school year, let's drop the sad and boring "healthy" snacks and pick up some nutritious (and delicious!) food. 

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

The Ultimate Healthy Back-To-School Snack Guide

1. Sunflower Butter with Sweet Potato Toast

Sunflower butter has been my latest obsession and go-to snack. Since it is made from a seed (sunflower seed, of course), it is free from all top 8 food allergens. These On the Go packs are perfect to stick in your bag before class.

Sweet potato toast has been all the rage lately, and for good reason. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients such as dietary fibers and antioxidants as well as good complex carbs (no saturated fats or cholesterol.)

Simply slice your sweet potato vertically (long ways) and toast on both sides for about 5 minutes. The sweetness of the potato compliments the nuttiness of the sunflower butter

2. Hummus Cups with Turkey and Cucumber

Hummus is one of my favorite snacks by far. Sabra sells individual packs of their hummus (and even guacamole, if that's more your taste) which is perfect for a mid-day snack.

First, ask for a few slices of turkey from the sandwich bar at the dining hall. Then, stop by the salad bar for some veggies and you're set. You now have a well balanced, protein packed snack to help power you through the day.

#Spoontip: I love cucumbers in the mix to add a little crunch.

3. Yogurt and Granola Bark

Tired of having regular yogurt everyday? No problem, this easy freezer hack is perfect for breakfast or a snack throughout the day. Simply spread your yogurt in a freezer safe dish and sprinkle it with granola, fruit, or even chocolate chips and freeze it overnight. In the morning, break it up into pieces and get to snackin'.

#SpoonTip Check your dining hall, they usually will have some yogurt and berries that are perfect for this! Also, using a knife to break it up keeps from getting melted yogurt all over you.

4. Avocado-Chickpea Mash with Crackers

It's like avocado toast...but better. Hit up your dining hall for a cup of chickpeas and half of an avocado. Mash up the two together until you get a chunky consistency.

#Spoontip: I like to add some ground black pepper and Sriracha for a zesty kick.

Now, spread this bad boy on some crackers, and that's it! This snack is full of protein and healthy fats that will keep you full and energized.

5. Goodie Girl Gluten Free Cookies

No snack list is complete without cookies–and you don't have to feel guilty about these. Goodie Girl's Gluten Free cookies not only taste delicious, but they come in a variety of flavors so you never get bored of the same flavors. If your school has a Starbucks on campus, be on the lookout for these cookies–you won't regret it.

6. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are the perfect low-carb version of a taco (my favorite food). Stop by the sandwich bar in your dining hall and ask for a few pieces of lettuce and select various toppings you want in your wraps. Personally, I like to check out the salad bar for additional toppings like edamame, chickpeas, or even some sunflower seeds for an added crunch.   

7. Crispy Chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas are almost as good as chips. Rinse and dry a can of chickpeas and spread them onto a baking sheet. Coat them in olive oil and bake them for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Once crispy, toss them in whatever seasoning you like.

8. Apples with Cheese and Almonds

Feel classy while you're studying. Fruit, cheese, and nuts are an OG combo that's not only satisfying but delicious. You don't like apples? Try grapes or blueberries with a cheese and nut of your choice. The possibilities of combo's are endless.

9. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Say goodbye to the days of eating Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. With so many great brands like Justin's, Trader Joe's, and Unreal– you can still get your chocolate peanut butter fix without the guilt.

10. Lemony Quinoa and Edamame

Although this snack takes a bit of prep work, it will keep fresh all week long. Simply cook a cup of quinoa and add in some steamed unshelled edamame, coat with a drizzle of olive oil, half of a lemon, and some salt. Remember to keep  them refrigerated. Quinoa and edamame are packed with protein which keep you energized and full for longer.

#Spoontip You can also buy frozen edamame, microwave for about 3 minutes, and add some salt.   

Conclusion

Eating healthy in college isn't impossible. As long as you plan ahead and get creative, there are endless options for healthy meals and snacks. Cheers to a great (and healthy) school year!