Consciousness is key when eating snacks on campus

By: Ratasha Iribarren/Columnist

When you walk through campus, it is nearly impossible to escape the mixed aromas of Starbucks frappucinos, Greek life cupcakes and delicate, flaky pastelitos from Bustello.

In order to resist these easily accessible temptations, it is imperative that I leave home armed with a cooler and a bag filled with nutritious snacks. Here are some low-calorie snack options for you to try the next time you feel the need to give in.

If you are in the mood for something crunchy, go for carrots or celery sticks with hummus. One cup of chopped carrots adds up to just 50 calories! Pair up this sweet, vitamin A-rich vegetable with two tablespoons of creamy fiber-filled hummus for a snack that is sure to nip the sodium-filled chips and dip craving away. Hummus goes great with just about anything, so experiment with celery sticks or whole wheat pita bread to keep you feeling full. Also, remember that you can have as many carrots and celery sticks as you like because they contain a very minimal amount of calories.

Peanut butter is a great source of protein and it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids – healthy fats that are essential in cognitive and behavioral function and aid in lowering heart disease and cancer. Combine two tablespoons of peanut butter with one medium apple for a snack that weighs in close to 300 calories (which is about the same amount of calories as that Snickers bar that you grab around 2 p.m.).

Fueling up for an exam? Spread four crackers with peanut butter and top each with another cracker for your own peanut butter cracker sandwiches. Keep in mind that this option is more calorie-dense because of the combination of carbohydrates and protein in the crackers and peanut butter. Four peanut butter cracker sandwiches total to about 350 calories, or about as many calories as there are in a Starbucks double chocolaty chip frappuccino.

For a snack that is quick and easy to munch on, try a handful of pretzels or two cups of popped popcorn.

One serving of pretzels contains no trans-fat and comes in at 100 calories. However, pretzels are known to have a high sodium count, so do yourself a favor and read the label so you know when enough is enough.

For an extra kick of flavor, try Snyder’s of Hanover pumpernickel and onion braided twists. Or if you are in the mood for a sweet and salty flavor, go with Snyder’s of Hanover honey wheat sticks. Any one of these pretzel flavors tastes great with a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter.

Popcorn is a great source of fiber; it keeps you full and satisfied. Two cups of popped popcorn is about seventy calories. Instead of buying the greasy butter coated packaged popcorn, pick up a bag of real popcorn kernels and make your own from scratch. All you need is vegetable oil, a bag of kernels and a sprinkle of salt!

Not only do you skip the artery-clogging fats, but you also can enjoy the non-artificial taste of natural popcorn! For a sweeter approach, add in two tablespoons of trail mix. I prefer Planters sweet and nutty trail mix because of the chocolaty M&M pieces and sugary raisins.

The popcorn and trail mix combination will provide you with some protein from the peanuts, adding on an additional 160 calories.

Another snack that is filled with protein has also been proven to boost your mood, which may be practical in fighting the stress that comes with being a college student.

Turkey contains serotonin-promoting tryptophan in every 48 gram serving (about 54 calories).

In addition to boosting your mood, turkey also helps you regulate appetite and sleep cycles. Roll a few slices of calcium-rich cheese inside a few slices of turkey for an extra 100 calories.

Avoiding processed, calorie-dense foods around campus may seem difficult, but it is not impossible. With your new arsenal of healthy snacks, you are sure to kick your cravings to the curb!

Fit for Life! is a bi-weekly food and fitness column. Look for it every other Friday this fall.