The second wave of midterms is in full force, and chances are that you’re frantically studying for long periods of time. Snacks are a great way to stock up on energy to keep studying without the interruption of a full meal. Unhealthy snacks, however, can have you feeling sluggish, which isn’t conducive to good studying. Here are some tips to help you choose the right snacks for those study sessions.

Short and sweet

If you’re looking for a short burst of energy to pull you through, then something with sugar is what you want. For a healthy source of sugar, look no further than fruit. Fruit is a better alternative than candy or soda for your sugar intake while also tasting sweet. There is also a wide variety, so there is a taste for every palate!

The long haul

If you want energy for a long stint of studying, then snacks with protein are your best bet. Nuts, jerky and granola bars are snacks that will give you long-term energy. Often times, they also take a long time to chew, so if you need your mouth to be doing something, this might be a better alternative to gum. Protein-packed snacks are a healthy source of power for your longest study session. 

Just want to feel full

Maybe, your schedule leaves you with no time to have a full meal so you want a snack that stops your stomach from grumbling too much. If so, then hummus with some vegetables or pita bread will be just the thing. The high amount of fiber and protein in chickpeas will help you feel full. So if you’re looking for alternative food with high amounts of fiber and protein, hit up the hummus.

Right before bed

Let’s say you just finished a long study session late into the night and didn’t eat anything. Your stomach is rumbling and keeping you from falling asleep. If you’re looking for something to make it quiet and possibly help you sleep, then warm milk is a great option. Not only is it thicker than water, which should help please your stomach, but it also isn’t a large amount of food so it won’t hurt your ability to fall asleep.

Avoid the supposedly healthy

Lastly, if you’re looking for healthy snacks, in general, be careful about assuming something is healthy. Remember to do your research if you want to make sure something is good for you. With a little bit of searching, it can be easy to avoid the wrong common assumptions about what is healthy.

Hopefully, this list has helped you figure out what healthy snacks to eat. Whether you want to make your own snacks or just buy them, it doesn’t have to be hard to be healthy. So try to choose the best snack this midterm season. Your body will thank you later.