Healthy College Snacks: 9 Easy Food Swaps You Should Make Today
9 Ideas for Healthy College Snacks/Food Swaps
DIY Pizza
For pizza enthusiasts seeking a slimmer version, there are two excellent alternatives. You can create a cauliflower-based pizza bread crust or opt for the classic dough recipe with a few tweaks. If you’re craving the latter, making it from scratch is a great option. Simply swap out the toppings to satisfy your cravings.
Getting started is relatively straightforward. Preheat your oven and roll out your homemade pizza dough on a floured baking pan. Brush the crust with extra virgin olive oil, followed by a moderate amount of your preferred cheese and a medley of veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some black pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite spices with the veggies for an added depth of flavor.
This meal is surprisingly easy to prepare, and the best part is that you can customize it to your liking.
Get Your Snacks in Order!
Ditch processed snacks and think outside the box! With some advance planning and preparation, you can have all the healthy snack options you need for your busy student lifestyle. When cravings strike, turn to sweet treats like date-almond-coconut packs or savory delights like homemade bacon jerky or sundried tomato, feta, and green onion muffins. For endless inspiration, explore Pinterest’s treasure trove of recipe ideas.
Make Your Own Chocolate Bars
When it comes to healthy college snacks, the difference between homemade and store-bought can be significant. For instance, if you have a craving for chocolate, making your own treats at home can be a game-changer. Understanding what goes into your food is crucial for improving your overall health. Cacao powder, in particular, is a nutritious option that rivals cocoa in terms of taste. By opting for homemade truffles made with simple ingredients like coconut oil, cacao powder, and sea salt, you’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also reap the benefits of whole foods.
Healthy Fried Rice, That Still Tastes Like Rice!
While rice can be a nutritious addition to your diet in moderation, it’s not always necessary to consume large quantities. In fact, cooking enough rice for an entire village might be a sign that you need to explore alternative options. A healthier substitute is surprisingly easy to prepare. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble the texture of cooked rice. The result can be used as a direct replacement for white rice in most dishes, and it’s just as flavorful. We’ve found that cauliflower ‘rice’ makes an excellent base for fried rice, and our family loved the dish so much they didn’t even notice the difference.
Totally Tasty Pudding
When it comes to healthy college snacks, pudding often gets overlooked – but not today! By making a few tweaks, this sweet treat can be transformed into a nutritious indulgence. While traditional chocolate pudding can be a calorie bomb, swapping out cream for avocado base is a game-changer. Simply blend cacao powder, non-dairy milk, avocado, and your preferred sweetener in a powerful blender, then chill the mixture in the fridge for a few hours. The result is a creamy, chocolatey snack that’s as good for you as it is delicious.
Can’t Give Up Mac and Cheese?
While processed pasta can be a convenient option, it’s not the healthiest choice for a regular meal. A better approach is to create your own mac and cheese from scratch using simple and nutritious swaps. One way to do this is by adding roasted butternut squash to your cheese sauce, which adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture. This healthier take on classic comfort food is sure to satisfy. Alternatively, you can also try substituting high-carb noodles with plant-based pasta made from chickpeas or legumes. Although it may have a slightly different texture, the taste is remarkably similar to traditional pasta. In my experience, POW Pasta is virtually indistinguishable from regular pasta and makes for an excellent healthy food swap.
Homemade Muesli
Kick-start your day with a nutritious breakfast that sets you up for success. Rather than opting for sugary commercial cereals, consider whipping up a batch of homemade muesli instead. This healthier alternative allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unwanted additives. Take it to the next level by adding in your favorite fruits – not only will your taste buds thank you, but so will your body.
Don’t Step Away from the French Fries
Healthy college snacks often come as a surprise to many students, especially when it comes to indulging in favorite treats like fries. However, with a few simple swaps and tweaks, you can enjoy the taste without compromising on nutritional value. Case in point: baked fries! By opting for this method over deep-frying, you’ll significantly reduce your oil intake and still satisfy your cravings. When cooking at home, try seasoning your sweet potato wedges with olive oil and semolina for a crispy texture reminiscent of oven-baked chips. For an added bonus, consider using a healthy oil like coconut for its numerous health benefits.
Poach, Don’t Fry!
When it comes to cooking, poaching is an excellent way to prepare foods that are typically fried. A great example of this is eggs – try substituting your usual frying method with poaching next time. By cooking them in hot water, you’re eliminating the need for oil, making them a super healthy and tasty option. The natural flavor of the eggs isn’t masked by any added oils, allowing you to enjoy their pure taste.Poaching isn’t just limited to eggs, though. You can also poach fish, fruit, and even chicken with impressive results. By adopting healthier cooking methods like this one, you’ll be on your way to a balanced lifestyle that’s easy to maintain. After all, educating yourself is key when it comes to making informed decisions about your diet.The idea is to make these healthy changes habits, ensuring that you lead the healthiest lifestyle possible while still enjoying the foods and flavors you love. So, which of these food swaps has been a game-changer for you? Share your favorite healthy snacking ideas in the comments below – I’m always looking for new inspiration! As a busy student, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to cooking, but with a few simple tweaks and the right mindset, you can create a lifestyle that’s both healthy and enjoyable.