January is a month for new beginnings, a fresh start to incorporating New Year’s resolutions. According to Business Insider, eating healthier was the top New Year’s resolution made last year. The VanCougar found four healthy on-the-go snack ideas to make sticking to New Year’s resolutions easier for busy students.
Nuts
Tasty, convenient and a good source of protein, nuts are an excellent snack. Fan favorite nuts include almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans and pistachios. Easy nut recipes can vary widely, from trail mix to numerous fruit pairings. All nuts pack good amounts of healthy fats and antioxidants, making this versatile snack delicious and filled with nutritional benefits.
Dry Fruit
Dry fruit not only offers rich fiber, vitamins and minerals, it can hinder the temptations of a sweet tooth. Some dried fruits, like raisins, are high in fiber, potassium and other plant compounds. Although dry fruit contains a lot of sugar, according to nutritionists at Healthline, this snack can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol when eaten in moderation.
Veggies and Hummus
This savory snack can be indulged without feeling guilt and leave you feeling satisfied. Veggies that pair well with the chickpea-based dip include carrots, celery, sweet potatoes and bell peppers, but any of your favorite vegetables should pair well with hummus. This genius combination’s texture leaves you with something crunchy paired with something creamy. According to Consumer Reports, hummus has also been proven to offer key nutrients such as calcium and magnesium and reduces the risk of cancers and heart disease.
Protein Bars
Protein is essential to sustain your energy throughout the day. This is why protein bars make a great choice for healthy snacking. Not only do protein bars contain copious amounts of protein, but they also are packed with a sufficient amount of carbs, making you feel fuller throughout the day. Unfortunately, many protein bars include added sugars, so make sure you read the nutrition label before putting them in your shopping cart. According to Eatingwell.com, healthier brands include Epic, Lärabar and RXbBar. Protein is proven to increase metabolism rates, helping you burn more calories while building and maintaining muscle, according to nutritionists at Healthline.
The common New Year’s resolution of eating healthier can be intimidating and for many students’ busy lifestyles, hard to achieve. Use these healthy snack ideas in your diet to help get you started on the right path.
Emily is a senior studying integrated strategic communication at WSU Vancouver.