Being away at college means more independence and freedom, and for many students, that signifies mealtime becomes a matter of convenience versus health and nutrition. But just because you are busy with homework, friends, parties and more does not mean you have to live off of pizza and fast food every day. Here are some simple, healthy snacks college students should carry with them in order to stay healthy and keep from getting hungry.

 1.    Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is one of the quickest and yummiest snacks that provides many health benefits. It is a great source of fiber, vitamins and the good kind of fat that your body needs. Keep it simple with some olive oil, salt and pepper or add some eggs, cheese or tomatoes to your avocado toast. In any case, it’s guaranteed to be delicious and will keep you full and ready for the long study day ahead.

2.    Fruit Smoothie

One of the most healthy grab-and-go snacks is a fruit smoothie. You can turn your favorite fruits into the best drinks to carry around to class. All you need to do is blend some frozen fruits or berries with some yogurt and continue experimenting with different combinations every day. It will keep you full till your next meal and provide you with all the vitamins you need for the day.

3.    Veggie Sticks with Hummus 

If you have never tried hummus, you must do it now. In fact, it makes eating bland veggies so much easier. Prepack a small portion of hummus in a to-go container and put a mix of your favorite vegetables in a plastic bag or small container together for a quick, healthy snack on-the-go or while you study.

4.    Nuts

Nuts are the perfect portable snack to bring with you during a busy school day. With oodles of options, you can pick a different nut for each day of the week, especially with flavored versions of cashew nuts and such. It can be a bit pricey, but they are a great source of protein and natural fat.

5.    Rice Cakes

If you find that you can’t get through a class without getting hungry, bring a few rice cakes with you in your backpack for a quick snack. It is ideal for the hectic student lifestyle and provides both slow and fast-release carbohydrates when you need an energy boost. This snack will carry you through until you can get a proper meal.

What is your favorite on-the-go snack? Share it in the comments below!