I don’t know about you, but I have been getting torn a new asshole this week by midterms and papers. That means a lot of late nights… and a lot of late-night snacking. And while some leftover Chipotle or a pint of Ben and Jerry’s does satisfy the post-midnight cravings, I really don’t want to come out of this week with a food baby as a souvenir. So I present to you some healthier (or at least semi-healthier) alternatives to study snacks.
A Tribute to Elvis
Sometimes all I want is a nice PB&J sandwich to get me through those endless cram sessions. But when I’m craving a little somethin’ somethin’, I take my PB&J to the next level and whip up a peanut butter and banana panini. Here’s how:
What You’ll Need:
- 2 slices of whole wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½ banana, sliced lengthwise
- A drizzle of honey
Spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread and top with the banana slices. Drizzle a spoonful of honey over the banana and place the second slice of bread on top. A George Foreman grill is preferable for the next step, but if you don’t have one, you can use a regular skillet, or even a waffle iron. Place the sandwich in the George Foreman grill or waffle iron and cook for approximately five to seven minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the peanut butter has started to melt. If you are cooking your sandwich in a skillet, prepare it as you would a grilled cheese sandwich. Remove the sandwich from the grill or the skillet, and enjoy as you sink back into a long night of studying.
Berry Good Soup
A friend of mine told me about this awesome bedtime snack, which just happens to double as a study-time treat. It’s so simple, so healthy, so comforting… It’s just so good, I could eat bowls of it at a time. You definitely don’t want to miss out on trying this one.
What You’ll Need:
- ¾ cup frozen whole cherries (you can also use any variety of berries)
- ½ cup boiling water (or apple juice for added sweetness)
Place the frozen cherries in a heat-proof bowl and pour the boiling water on top. Stir and place in the microwave for 2-2½ minutes on high. Carefully remove the “soup” from the microwave, allow to cool for a few seconds and dig in!
Salty & Spicy Veggie Scramble
Sometimes all I want at 2 a.m. is something salty and breakfasty. Sure, cheesy scrambled eggs on toast will do the trick, but you’ll feel like shit afterwards. Why not lighten your scramble and feel a little better as you study?
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup frozen broccoli, thawed
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 egg whites
Place the broccoli, red onion and peppers in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the onions and peppers are translucent and the broccoli is fully cooked. Add the egg whites and scramble vigorously until the vegetables are coated in eggs and the eggs are fully cooked. Remove from heat and place in a bowl or atop toast. Sprinkle with a little hot sauce or ketchup for an added kick and eat up.
Hopefully these late-night snacks will keep you filled as you cram for midterm upon midterm. They may not help you learn orgo, but at least you won’t feel like crap as you down more junk food!