As a pre-med student, good snacks have been critical to my health and performance, but finding them can be easier said than done. Luckily, these 10 after-school snacks are my go-tos when studying for an exam or refueling during a long day.
1. Pistachios
Pistachios are super-portable, incredibly fun to eat, packed with protein, and overflowing with antioxidants, making it an excellent after-school snack for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. If eating pre-roasted pistachios, however, check the sodium levels on the package - they can run quite high, up to almost 526 milligrams per cup, if you're not careful!
2. Clementines
The king of vitamin C is here to support you during your late-night panic-writing sessions. Pair this after-school snack with an iron-rich food for healthy blood.
3. Cheese Melts
These are literally the easiest lunches or snacks to throw together. All you need is good bread, melty cheese, and sturdy vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, caramelized onions, or artichokes and you're ready to go! Plus, you can meal prep the components ahead of time.
4. Hummus and Veggies
When I'm feeling hungry during class, this snack does the trick. Packed with protein and healthy fat, hummus is one of my favorite dips. Combine it with an incredible source of vitamin C and you have yourself a ridiculously healthy and easy snack to prepare and eat!
5. Simple, Veggie-Packed Pastas
There are times I come home from school utterly exhausted from a midterm or a presentation but have loads of work I still need to do. A simple pasta loaded with veggies is my go-to light meal to refuel my body and my mind. I usually make a version of Giada De Laurentiis' Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables with whatever veggies and cheese I have on hand, and it does not disappoint.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is great because we all need something sweet in our after-school snack routine as a pick-me-up. Dark chocolate contains flavanols, compounds that improve blood flow and overall cardiovascular health, making it an excellent way to splurge after a long day.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes take some time to make, but they are so fun to eat after a long day of work! I use whatever spices I have on hand to season pre-packaged frozen fries, although if you want to make your own wedges, this recipe from Teenuja on the VeganLovlie YouTube channel is one of my favorites. I like to serve them with spicy ketchup, guacamole, or hummus.
8. Walnuts
An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are perfect for snacking in between classes. Sometimes I even pair them with roasted red pepper hummus - it's a non-traditional but delicious combination!
9. Fresh Berries
Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber and are incredibly easy to incorporate in a variety of after-school snacks. When fresh berries are in season, I enjoy eating them alone or mixed in with plain yogurt as an easily portable snack or part of my lunch. I also enjoy combining fresh or frozen berries with frozen bananas to make rich, thick smoothies. Sliced fresh berries also add a delicious pop of sweetness to plain cereal or oatmeal.
10. Cheez-Its
As a freshman and sophomore, the CBEC building was a frequent haunt of mine. I would go to the basement lounge and munch away at a packet of Cheez-Its as I worked on homework. And if you don't want the packaged snack, you can still get your Cheez-It fix! Try this recipe from The Pioneer Woman to make your own at home.
Next time you're looking to switch up your after-school snack game, why not try some of these ideas? Here's to better and tastier ways to refuel!