Study Snacks

If you're like most students, you may be staying up late to do homework. When you're working on homework you will probably need to snack either because you're hungry or your looking for something to keep you awake. Here are some key points for you to remember to keep your snacks healthy and affordable

When at the store:

• Look for coupons in the store ad that is usually available right when you walk in
• Compare prices: Most stores include "price per weight" or "price per unit" so that you can tell which size is the best value
• Buy in bulk: Low-calorie granola bars, cereal, and other dry goods keep for a long time and are cheaper in large quantities
• Buy generics: Most store-brand foods have nearly identical ingredients to their name-brand competitors
• Avoid impulse buys: Make a list and stick to it! Also, do not shop when you're hungry

Nutrition vs. Volume

• It is more important to buy nutritious foods than to buy large quantities of foods with empty calories. For example, a large bag of chips and two liters of soda may be cheap but they won't keep you energized and full.
• Buy produce that is in season. Some options that are affordable year-round are: carrots, leafy greens, apples, and bananas

Other Healthy Snack Options:

• Green Tea
• Sunflower Seeds
• Yogurt
• A Handful of Almonds
• String Cheese
• Celery
• Dark Chocolate
• Peanut Butter (Pair it with an apple or a slice of whole-grain bread for a yummy treat!)
• Air-Popped Popcorn or Light Butter Microwave Popcorn
• Cottage Cheese & Grapes
• Hummus
• & Many More

Share your healthy, affordable snack ideas below!

Partially adapted from The 10-Dollar Challenge from Student Health 101 at http://readsh101.com/uni.html