There is something great about mindlessly chewing on a snack while reading case law. With exam season approaching, it is important to keep your brain nourished. Snacks can be the perfect pick-me-up between breakfast and lunch, or lunch and dinner, or dinner and breakfast. Although potato chips and chocolate bars are a go-to, I have compiled a list of the best study snacks in the game. There are five factors to consider when choosing a perfect study snack:
|
Factor |
Comments |
| Transportability | |
| Low prep time | A great snack should take less time to prepare than it does to eat. |
| Minimal mess | All you’ll need is a napkin. |
| Easy to hide in the library | |
| Healthy | Your snack should leave you energized, not tired. |
Keeping these factors in mind, here are eight snack ideas that will keep you energized through exams:
1. Fresh fruit: Fruit is an obvious first choice when it comes to the perfect study snack. Apples and school go hand-in-hand. Grapes pack the same crunch as apples, but make no noise. There is no prep required for bananas, making them an ideal snack food. There are many other options like oranges, strawberries, blueberries, pears, plums, and peaches.
2. Veggies and hummus: After sitting at a desk all day, the only exercise I get is chewing vegetables. I like to slice up carrots, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper, and radishes, and throw them in a Tupperware with a scoop of hummus.
3. Trail mix: Studying for an exam is like going on a long hike, so why not pack trail mix? I fill up a ziplock bag with handfuls of different types of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Here are my favourite combos:
- Sunflower seeds + pumpkin seeds + cranberries
- Almonds + cacao nibs + dates
- Walnuts + figs
- Brazil nuts + dried mango + shredded coconut
4. Dark Chocolate: Pass on the regular chocolate bar, which makes you tired for the rest of the day, and try some dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate has antioxidants and even caffeine. My favourite brand is Giddy YoYo, which is organic, fair-trade, and 100% raw.
5. Hydrating drinks: When you are sitting for long periods of time and drinking multiple cups of coffee, it is important to stay hydrated. Try coconut water or herbal tea. Mint tea will keep you alert and aid with digestion. Chamomile is more relaxing and great before bed.
6. Goji berries, almond butter, and celery: This is the grown-up version of “ants on a log.”
- 7. Pita Pizza: Take a pita and put on a tablespoon or two of tomato paste. Add some goat’s milk or cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms. Bake in oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
8. Edamame with sea salt: This popular Japanese appetizer is an overlooked snacking staple. Simply boil, sprinkle on some salt, and throw into a ziplock bag. Eat alongside roasted seaweed snacks.
Other notable mentions: For when you really need something sweet or salty, here is my go-to list:
- Sour-keys (large quantities available at Bulk Barn)
- Gummy bears
- Licorice
- Peanuts
- Chocolate-covered almonds
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Buttered popcorn
- Pretzels
Happy snacking!
