Collegiette Eats: 3 Healthy Study Treats

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

I can't believe it, but it's already finals week here at Michigan. Where did this semester go?! As every collegiette knows, finals week means late nights at the library, which, if you're like me, means you need some really good study snacks to keep you motivated and awake. Unfortunately, the lack of spare time and the urge to stress eat during finals week can lead to poor food choices. We've all been there. Or, at least I have; the other night when I was up studying past two in the morning and pizza delivery seemed like the only logical choice. The temptation to stress eat and call Domino's past midnight can be minimized, however, if you have enough healthy (but still appealing) snacks on hand. To ensure that you limit the amount of junk you eat this finals season, here are three treats that will fuel your library session without interfering with your plans to get in shape for summer. 

1. Kale Chips 

Kale chips only take about 10 minutes to make, so you can make a batch as a quick study break. They're easy to take on the go in a Ziploc bag, and the salty crunch will satisfy your chip craving without the grease or saturarted fat. Instead, these chips are packed with protein and vitamins, perfect for a midday or late-night energy boost. There are tons of variations on how to make them online. You can read my post on how to host a dinner party for an easy recipe. 

2. Raw Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches 

These mock Oreo ice cream sandwiches are so rich, you wouldn't believe that they're made from a variety of healthy ingredients like almond flour and cashew butter. I made them a few days ago and was blown away. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this decadent snack will cheer you up in just a few bites when you hit a wall in your studying. You can store them in the freezer so they're ready to eat or take on the go whenever. 

Recipe from DAMY Health

Makes 8-9 ice cream sandwiches

Chocolate Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• Dash of salt

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup cashew butter
• 3 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Directions

1. Place all chocolate cookie ingredients into a food processor and blend until dough-like.
2. Remove from food processor, place in a bowl and set in the refrigerator.
3. Using a clean bowl and blade, place all icing ingredients into your food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Layer chocolate cookie dough into muffin tins or silicone molds by pressing down and forming a patty.
5. Top with a layer of icing and then one more layer of chocolate cookie dough.
6. Press down gently, cover with plastic wrap and place in your freezer overnight.
7. Remove from muffin tin or silicone molds and enjoy immediately.
8. Tip: silicone molds work like a dream. The cookies pop right out.

3. Deluxe Waffle

Waffles are usually reserved for breakfast or dessert, but they can make a great study snack, too. This treat has a balance of fiber from the waffle and healthy fats from the coconut milk in the dairy-free ice cream. It's a low-sugar way to satisfy your sweet tooth at any hour of the day. 

Ingredients

• 1 frozen whole-wheat waffle
• 2-4 tablespoons So Delicious Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert
• 2-4 tablespoons whipped cream 

1. Prepare the waffle according to package directions.
2. Top with So Delicious Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert (I used the cherry amaretto flavor, made from coconut milk) and whipped cream. 
3. Add any other toppings you desire, such as fresh fruit or mini chocolate chips. 

Next time your stomach starts growling mid-study-sesh, remember that there are healthy treat options out there that don't take long to prepare! These three are a good place to start, but the possibilities are endless. 

What's your favorite healthy study snack? Share in the comments below!