I figured I'd post this on the 20-something forum because I'm sure most of you can relate to an extent. I'm a college student and my husband works full time, so we pretty much live off his salary. I'm a chronic snacker, it'll never change I'm sure, but I've completely run out of ideas. I asked people in the 300+ section too but didn't get too many responses, so I figured I'd come here. What's your favorite thing to snack on that's cheap and has a quick prep time? I have very little time, especially in the morning and summer classes are so hectic so I need some ideas. remember, I'm on a budget! thanks
nuts and seeds. Any kind of nuts are a favorite snack of mine. Super easy to buy a big bag and portion them out. I'm kind of a wacko and have different sizes portioned out in 100, 150, and 200 calorie packs.
Pistachios are a favorite of mine. I know that ~25 pistachios are 100 calories, so I count them out and snack!
PICKLES are also really good and they're next to nothing calorie-wise. Munching on one of those on a hot day is really great.
I also like snacking on roasted red peppers. I buy fresh red peppers and roast a bunch myself. So of course this requires prep time, but it's once in a while and then they're just there for you to snack on.
Fruit and veggies for sure! I love snap peas, or baby carrots if I just need to crunch something or a couple clementines/handful of cherries if I need sugar. When I need a uber quick/cheap protein snack I grab a veggie dog (not cooked, no bun or condiments :P) - like 50cals and 10g of protein keeps me going.
Clementines; Carrots; Some cereal bars (I like them because they give you the sense you are having something calorific); Ice Lollies (you can get some very low calorie ones, they last for ages and again they're sweet and fool your taste buds!); toasted pitta with hummus dip (a little more calorific, but filling); diet coke (I know its bad... but its a GOD send!)...
Peanut butter and crackers or PB and carrot sticks. 10 whole wheat crackers and 2 Tbsp of peanut butter comes to 330 calories (based on my brands). The snack may seem like high fat, but it's good fat and filling, and its a good daytime snack rather than binge eating my caloric needs at night.
I agree with so many of these (pickles, pretzels, carrots, etc) and only have to add BLUEBERRIES (If you have a Sam's Club membership they are super cheap right now, but if not I think Walmart has them pretty similarly priced
thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming! I'm keeping a list. and I will NOT EVER eat greek yogurt again. ughhh. it didn't taste so good coming back up the last time I did. >_>
A navel orange (my favourite) and literally like 3 whole grain crackers. I don't really love the crackers, so that's why I eat a small amount. I find that when I eat foods I kinda-sorta-not-really like I never finish them, therefore causing me to eat less. Then my appetite is gone, so snack time is over.
Just a random thought lol.
I agree with all the ideas above (although I couldn't tolerate the pickles due to all the sodium) but I'd like to add:
hard boiled eggs,
celery with PB2 (it's powdered peanutbutter & chocolate...all natural, just add water.
cottage cheese with cucumber and red onion and maybe a corn cake (like a rice cake but from corn)
eggplant....I cut it into slices and bake until soft. You can top it with anything...I like greek yogurt and salsa but you could use cottage cheese or you can eat it plain. It's super low cal and very healthy.
some people like canned tuna with celery and a few crackers.