Healthy snacking is always a better option rather than eating unhealthy treats

Commentary
Ashley Dixon

The life of the average college student is hectic, to say the least. We’re all bom-barded with homework, deadlines and demanding personal and professional lives so who really has time to do anything extracurricular?

As impossible as it may feel, healthy snacking is well within your grasp. The benefits are endless, and will leave you feeling revitalized, with more than enough energy to tackle your busy schedule.

We hardly have time to stop and make a meal, so we stop and grab some fast food or will pop open a bag of chips to settle us over. It may feel like a quick fix, however this ‘quick fix’ is poisoning your body with its grease and fatty acids.

It also may seem scary,but healthy eating is actually easier and cheaper than it sounds.

Once the change is made from the constant carbs and fast food to the fruits and veggies, your body and mind will thank you again and again.

Think back to your busy schedule. Ever notice how it seems that you’re constantly hungry no matter what you eat? All of those hectic tasks you overcome during the day require one simple thing that we never seem to have enough of: energy. And the magical foods to refuel your body and revamp your mind can be found in the produce section.

It’s simple, really and almost silly that we make such a big fuss over something as easy as swapping a bag of chips for some baby carrots or an apple.

While it may be easier to head to the cafeteria after class and get a large order of fries to chow down on before your next class, these calorie stacked snacks will only give you that slowed down, sluggish feeling after sitting in class.

Simple carbohydrates are also a misleading snack, as we often turn to sodas for caffeine and energy but this too will only slow your body down, after providing a very temporary rush.

For a quick energy fix, look for foods that contain complex carbohydrates. Bring a yogurt and some granola to school, mix the two and be on your merry way.

Or, if you don’t feel like tugging a cold yogurt around with you all day, bring some apple slices and peanut butter, or even plain peanut butter!

Do you crave those salty sacks? Instead of eating the saltiest potato chips you can find, chow down on some salted nuts. A Laughing Cow slice of cheese will also do the trick to solve any salt craving.

Got a sweet tooth? Bring some fresh fruit or unsweetened fruit cups! Your possibilities and fruit choices are endless; just take a trip down the pro-duce isle in your local grocery store.

Still not convinced? Use the very convenient and informative tool called the Internet. You will be surprised at all of the simple healthy snacking solutions you will find, with endless options and suggestions to both non and picky eaters.