All that studying is bound to make you hungry.
It’s actually a fact.
Studies show that intellectual activities, like studying, cause a big fluctuation in glucose and insulin and makes you hungry. Unfortunately, though, thinking doesn’t burn a ton more calories, about three more calories per activity. You don’t want to get to the point of ‘hanger,’ so you can actually concentrate while studying. But you also don’t really want to put much effort into cooking snacks. After all, who wants to cook more than necessary? And that’s when we go for the junk food.
Healthier snacks do require a bit more prep. It’s not quite as easy as opening up that bag of chips, but there are some simple recipes just about anyone can follow that will actually add some nutrition to your diet.
A snack in a jar for a pre-assembled delicious meal
It’s really not as difficult as it sounds. Pans and stoves aren’t needed, and it’ll allow you to grab something quick when you’re in the zone with schoolwork.
Your jar can contain whatever you want. Maybe a bean dip and some chips? It could also be hummus at the bottom, and your pre-cut bell peppers, carrots or whatever you like in the jar. Or even peanut butter, celery and pretzels on top. Putting a quick assembly together will help you be ready to go once you’re studying.
You can find some easy ideas here.
These banana dogs that require no cooking
Here’s what you need: a banana, peanut butter and a tortilla of your choice. That’s it.
Spread the peanut butter on the tortilla, add the banana (peeled, of course), roll it up like a burrito. If you want to cut it into bites, go for it. It’s a healthy snack that will take little to no energy.
We’d share a recipe, but we think you get the idea.
Or, if you’re brave, these pickle roll ups
You’re definitely going to have to be a dill pickle lover for this snack. But it’s just as easy to assemble as the other ideas.
Really, all you need is a favorite lunch meat, cream cheese and a whole dill pickle. Just like the banana dogs, you’ll spread the cream cheese on the lunch meat, place the pickle and make a lunch meat burrito.
If you want to view the recipe, head here.
If you’re feeling up to some cooking, try this easy pizza
If you’re feeling like putting forth a little more effort, opt for this simple pizza recipe.
You’ll need a tortilla, pizza sauce, cheese and pepperonis. It doesn’t take much work and it’s a filling snack.
You can see the recipe here.
Or go all out and make yourself some no-bake energy balls
This healthy snack option is meant to be loaded with foods that will boost your energy, something greatly needed when studying in the afternoons or early mornings.
Energy balls, also known as power balls, usually consist of peanut butter and oats. You can add things like fruits, chocolate chips or m&ms for taste. They don’t require an oven and are a great go-to snack you can store in your fridge.
Here’s one example of an energy ball you can try out.
Some advice from your principal and teachers:
As Principal Donald Mitchell said:
“Living a healthy lifestyle can help you manage the stress of school and work. Adopt these healthy habits to stay energized for your busy schedule.”
A few more words of advice from Primavera instructors:
“Balancing my life begins with sleeping and eating” – Lauree Russell
“Sleeping-n-eating affect EVERYTHING. So I have blackened my bedroom windows and have relaxation music ready to go before I go to sleep,” said Ms. Lee. “Also, I don’t eat after 6 p.m. so that my body is actually resting instead of digesting a heavy meal,” Ms. Lauree Russell, math teacher.
Eat Lunches That Will Help Your Body
“As for eating, life is so busy, I keep cases of my favorite healthy foods in my refrigerator so I can grab-n-go. Right now I have a case of Greek Yogurt, a case of green juices, 12 boiled eggs, a case of mixed nuts and two different bags of home-made chicken frozen enchiladas (individually wrapped) that can be microwaved in two minutes. Of course, a large box of mixed greens or spinach to add to my meals is nutritional too!”- Ms. Lee, math teacher.
Do you have a favorite snack recipe? Share with us in the comments below.
