It is oh-so-tragic that good food can be so expensive, yet I, a college student, am so broke. However, there is hope. Rice cakes, which ring up at the register for less than $3, can be the blank canvas which you use to satisfy those snacktime cravings. Next time you turn down that $10 acai bowl for a bag of potato chips (because let's be honest that is just not in the budget), try one of these budget-friendly rice cake recipes for a snack that packs both flavor and nutrition in a few quick bites.
The Avocado One
Get your avocado fix the right way with this mock avo toast. Spread a quarter of an avocado on top of a lightly salted rice cake, and top with some wholesome veggies like roasted red pepper, sliced tomato, and a few leaves of basil if you want to make snack time seem a little luxurious.
The Peanut Butter One
Even Jack and Rose stand no chance against this iconic duo: peanut butter and banana. Slather on a tablespoon of your favorite peanut butter, slice up half a banana, drizzle on some honey, and you have yourself a gourmet snack chocking both flavor and nutrition. It goes without saying that this classic will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on the day. (Pro Tip: For a real sweet treat, trade that plain rice cake for its apple cinnamon counterpart!
The Almondberry One
This duo may not be your usual bread and butter, but once you give it one taste, things will never be the same. Similar to its peanut cousin, almond butter not only satisfies your nutty cravings, but packs in protein to curb your afternoon hunger. Top with blueberries, raspberries, and flax seeds for the extra oomph that your afternoon needs! (Pro Tip: Swap a plain rice cake for a chocolate one for a truly out of body experience OR trade your almond butter for chocolate hazelnut spread
The Greek One
The Greek one may be the fanciest of all rice cakes. Spread your favorite hummus (personally I recommend white bean hummus if you can find it in your grocery store) all over one side of your rice cake, top with sliced cucumber, feta cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and a fried egg (to elevate your breakfast game)
The Southwestern One
Okay, this one may require some grocery store hunting, but man is it worth it! Check out black bean hummus in your local grocery store (I get mine at Harris Teeter in the deli section), for a healthy way to satisfy that Chipotle Burrito Bowl craving. Top on rice cake with fresh tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, and roasted corn, and you have yourself an on-the-go, easy, cheap, healthy burrito
The Dessert One
Ah, finally, the dessert one. Grab your favorite variety rice cake (I would suggest chocolate or caramel to satisfy your sweet tooth), top with whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate chips, and Iyou won’t fantasize about your two favorite men, Ben and Jerry, again. Who doesn't love a sweet makes them feel good?
With these 6 recipes, you are guaranteed to upgrade your snack game, while fueling your body with the nutrients it needs all through the day.
Check out these articles for more shortcuts to eating healthy on a college budget:
Ways to replace Carbs with Cauliflower: that still taste just as good!
Even Picky Eaters Will Love These Parmesan and Balsamic Brussel Sprouts