Now that it's the last day of January and I've had a moment to reflect on my success/lack thereof in losing weight this month, I've determined my biggest pitfall was snacking while studying!
So now I'm on the hunt for low-calorie, satisfying, or filling snacks that will allow me to get my snack on while being productive, WITHOUT destroying my weight loss efforts. I'm counting calories and I'm gonna put aside a chunk for evening study sessions, but I'm looking for creative and delicious ideas!
I like the 100 calorie packs of microwave popcorn with a string cheese stick and a handful of grape tomatoes = good volume, protein is a plus for satisfaction, and extra veggies never hurt
It sounds strange, but now that I'm dieting, I REALLY love shredded lettuce with a hint of dry ranch seasoning. Its good crunch, good to snack on, and basically no calories. :-) Its not for everyone. My husband thinks it is nuts, but when I'm writing a paper or something (I'm in grad school), I can go through a whole 8 oz. bag of lettuce.
I'm in school too and it's always a challenge to pack snacks that are easy to carry, but that will keep me satisfied during long study sessions at the library. I often stick with easy-to-eat fruit like clementines or apples, tortillas or carrots with hummus, and almonds - especially those awesome tangy/spicy ones you can get at trader joes. You have to portion almonds out into smaller bags though or they can definitely sabotage your weight loss!
If I'm at home and don't have to worry about hauling my food around, I might make air popped popcorn since you can eat a lot of it for minimal calorie impact or lately I've been making fake chai lattes with unsweetened almond milk (40 calories per cup), spices, and tea.
Just stop having snacks while studying. Mindlessly eating while engrossed in another task is not a good habit. Eat meals that fill you up, if you need a snack because you are actually experiencing physical hunger stop studying for a few minutes and eat a piece of cheese. Don't just look for something to put into your mouth constantly because you are used to it.
Just stop having snacks while studying. Mindlessly eating while engrossed in another task is not a good habit. Eat meals that fill you up, if you need a snack because you are actually experiencing physical hunger stop studying for a few minutes and eat a piece of cheese. Don't just look for something to put into your mouth constantly because you are used to it.
well, i used to snack while i studied to keep me going. it's very easy to feel drained reading notes and text books, you know? and i used to stay at the library for hours, so bringing a snack is reasonable.
bringing something with protein is a good idea- maybe one of these- almonds, string cheese, low fat peanut butter plus a piece of fruit. or a fiberone bar- those keep me full for a while. i also like cereal without milk. like cheerios (the fruity cheerios taste like froot loops!) and always drink plenty of water during those study sessions
well, i used to snack while i studied to keep me going. it's very easy to feel drained reading notes and text books, you know? and i used to stay at the library for hours, so bringing a snack is reasonable.
bringing something with protein is a good idea- maybe one of these- almonds, string cheese, low fat peanut butter plus a piece of fruit. or a fiberone bar- those keep me full for a while. i also like cereal without milk. like cheerios (the fruity cheerios taste like froot loops!) and always drink plenty of water during those study sessions
That's why I differentiated between having a piece of food if she is actually hungry, and mindlessly snacking on something just because she's studying.
Getting up and walking around and going outside for a breath of fresh air are good ways to re-energize, too.
It sounds strange, but now that I'm dieting, I REALLY love shredded lettuce with a hint of dry ranch seasoning. Its good crunch, good to snack on, and basically no calories. :-) Its not for everyone. My husband thinks it is nuts, but when I'm writing a paper or something (I'm in grad school), I can go through a whole 8 oz. bag of lettuce.
oh wow that sounds really good actually I'm gonna give that a try thanks for sharing
That's why I differentiated between having a piece of food if she is actually hungry, and mindlessly snacking on something just because she's studying.
Getting up and walking around and going outside for a breath of fresh air are good ways to re-energize, too.
oh ok, wasn't sure how you mean it
going outside is good too. i should have done more of that during study sessions...lol