While the mind is using grey cells to memorise lessons, your tummy growls for a quick bite. To satiate hunger pangs, you need munchies that are healthy and non-messy, so you can slog for hours. Here’s a ‘smart snacking’ list for your study desk to keep you afloat, minus the bloat. By Pallavi Shankar
1 Boiled eggs: Packed with protein and selenium, it is a filling snack that keeps tummy happy for couple of hours. Sprinkle chopped onion, tomato, chilli, coriander leaves, pepper and salt on hard or soft boiled eggs and you are good to go. That it is non-greasy is another plus because you wouldn’t want something messy to eat, with books and notes scattered on your desk.
2 Chickpeas: Boil chickpeas or put it in the microwave (with adequate water) for an hour – time enough to get through your crucial notes. Then, select your seasoning and munch away. Chickpeas have high protein content; keep some around and pop in your mouth when hungry.
3 Nutty trail: Dry fruits such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, raisins have natural sugar and fibre that helps you stay full and also gives you the sugar rush needed for long study hours. Mix nuts of your choice – raisins, cashew, peanuts – and keep them in an airtight jar. You can also carry this to your friend’s place for group study.
4 Apple: This good old fruit is delicious, nutritious and filling. Chop an apple and eat it when you are craving for a sweet snack. Apple gives you a serotonin (brain chemical) boost that can power up your cram session before a class test. Pick it over processed food like fried namkeen and sugar-laden biscuits.
5 Clear Soup: It is natural to want a warm beverage when you are stressed about meeting a deadline (homework, project, etc). What better than some piping hot soup to charge up your study time? To keep it light, have a clear vegetable soup (full of carrots, peas, onion, broccoli) or chicken soup. Avoid heavy cream-based soups, as they make you sleepy.
6 Popcorn: Low on calories and high in good carbs and fibre, popcorn is a super snack. A bowl of air popped or microwaved popcorn with a dash of butter (or olive oil), salt and pepper will uplift your mood. It is rich in antioxidants that is a health and mood booster.
7 Frozen grapes: It’s a fruity treat with enough crunch to wake you up if you are about to doze off while reading a difficult chapter. A replacement for saccharine treats like mithai and bakery goods, frozen grapes is a welcome distraction from your studies. And the fruit sugar will give you a sugar high that the mind needs after focusing on cerebral work. Just pop few fresh grapes in the freezer and eat them when hungry. It is like a frozen dessert – almost.
8 Hummus and pita: Rich in protein, fibre and flavour, hummus and pita combo is a great break time food or even a late night snack. Try rosemary, dill, chilli or other hummus options that you get in health stores. Spread some on pita bread and chomp on. This one is like a full meal, so eat in moderation or you will feel full and sleepy.
9 Flavoured yoghurt: A great study snack, it has protein, good fat as well as other nutrients to add flavour and fun to your study time. Home-made or flavoured yoghurt (with interesting on the shelf variations such as blueberry, mango, kulfi and more), anything works. And one trip to the refrigerator is enough to get you your snack. If you have time, add some chopped fruits, pistachio, walnuts, raisins and cranberries to turn it into an exotic dessert.
10 Banana chips: Healthy and non-greasy, unlike potato chips, banana chips is full of potassium and fibre. This nutrient rich snack won’t make you feel bloated like extra salty potato fries. Alternatively, you can stock up your room shelf with interesting versions like spinach chips, karela chips and so on to spice up your wafers plate on a dull homework day.