The first few weeks of school mark the onset of a semester of sleep deprivation, stress and the development of potentially poor eating. A packed schedule and very little break time means grabbing whatever is easiest or cheapest and eating it between lectures. 

However, the easy choice is not always the healthiest, and when those choices pile up, they can have consequences. If you’re looking for a quick snack that won’t leave you feeling guilty, here are a few options that will keep you, your body and your wallet satisfied. 

Feeling fatigued? 

Hectic schedules and a subsequent lack of sleep are not good feelings, and grabbing the nearest junk food snack only amplifies the feeling of exhaustion. Instead of grabbing a candy bar from the c-store, opt for a small bag of mini bell peppers or a container of berries. These are antioxidant rich snacks that will help eliminate feelings of exhaustion and dehydration. For a snack with an extra boost of protein, try apples with a tablespoon of peanut butter. 

Whole grains to last a whole day 

While bread and sweet treats provide a quick burst of energy, they lead to a fast crash and destabilized blood sugar. That said, stick to whole grains for energy to last the whole day. Look for snacks that incorporate oats, quinoa or air-popped popcorn- try to find fun combos of these snacks at stores like TJ Maxx or in the cereal aisle of Wal-Mart. 

Plan ahead, pack a lunch 

Not only does grabbing fast food between classes spell guilty feelings, but spending all that money tends to add up. If you know you are going to have a long day on campus, pack a lunch with your favorite foods for the long day ahead. Start with a sandwich with a lean protein, like turkey or chicken, throw in an easy to eat fruit or vegetable, like the aforementioned mini bell peppers or a small bag of fruity granola. This way, you’ll be saving money and eating something you already know you will enjoy. 

The right kind of rewards 

After returning home after a day of classes and extracurriculars, the sweet tooth begins to really come out. That said, reaching for something heavy like ice cream right before starting homework and heading to bed may trigger feelings of sleepiness and decrease productivity, leaving you sinking into your bed, spoon in Ben and Jerry’s carton. Throw some plain Greek yogurt in a bowl with leftover berries for a sweet treat that’s low in sugar but still has a hint of sweetness.