Study Munchies

Okay, so not particularly the right time of year to be studying, but I have a huge test coming up to get into dental school. Unfortunately I have to nibble on something while I study, its that or my nails (horrible habit, but there is all ready nothing left).

I can't not nibble, so I need some healthy ideas. I am getting sick of grapes and carrots (those little things I can mindlessly munch on). But I don't want to go buy oreo's or m&m's. I know I should try NOT to munch, but it's a stressful test and I find food a comfort (I KNOW!! I shouldn't make food a comfort, but for a week and a half I will cope and then go back to my mindful eating). I should mention, I hate gum. :-D lol.

Any ideas?

Hot-air popped popcorn, no butter... about 100 calories for 4 cups.

popcorn? Those 100-calorie bags suprisingly have a lot in them.

have a bowl of whichever healthy cereal you love and munch on that. I like kashi golean crunch. tasts like caramel popcorn to me.

sometimes I suck on fruit-flavored mints, such as the ice breakers sours and that helps....it could be your alternative to gum.  or sometimes I find that if I get some sort of diet drink that works too..water with crystal light or flavored carbonated water.  Then as far as food goes, how about chopping up an apple, or there is kashi go lean.  It's really crunchy, so it will definitely satisfy the munching urge.

pumpkin seeds....you get a fair amount for about 200 calories. popcorn is a definite, though. try air popping some popcorn, spritzing it with the no cal butter spray, then sprinkling splena and cinnamon over it. it's seriously the perfect salty-sweet snack. You could do the same thing by switching to brown sugar splenda and not using cinnamon, then it would taste like caramel popcorn!!!!! MMM!

cereal eaten one flake or piece at a time definitely lasts a long time!

freeze-dried fruit is AMAZING. it has way more bulk than simple dried fruit and it's crunchy! (and sweet!)

also gerber has rolled out a whole line of finger food for toddler's that's low in cals and nutrisious!

pretzels are pretty good, too. not super low in cals, but definitely healthier than potato chips.

soy crisps or rice cakes are nice and crunchy, too!!

butternut squash fries are AMAZING, just cut a butternut squash in half, remove pulp and seeds, then remove skin, cut into french fry shapes (or any shape you like, cubes are easier!) and place on a greased cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake in an oven (preheated to 450 F) for 20 minutes. flip them over, salt again and back in the oven for another 20 minutes!

Perhaps some fresh crudites or something. Like celery sticks, carrot, raw mushrooms and cauliflower - really really healthy but also munchable! I also want to study Dentistry at University (but I'm in England UK) - good luck with your ambitions! :D

Goodluck on the DAT.  I took my optometry admission test 2 months ago and it wasn't that bad as long as you prepare yourself for it.

I would pack a protein bar, water, some veggies/dip, and a fruit.  It may seem like a lot, but i studied from 9am until 4pm everyday for a month.  So that was pretty much my lunch and breakfast.

i am also studying for a huge exam with the same munchie problem....gum has become my new best friend!!

extra sugarfree gum; polar mint to be extact...long flavor and keeps my mouth occupied!

Sugar-free hard candy is good (well root beer barrels and butterscotch anyway).  I get the sugar-free popcicles for only 20 calories each. 

Also, saw you love Great Danes.  I love all dogs, mom was a groomer growing up so I know a lot of useless stuff.  Did you know they are actually great apartment dogs?  They don't need a lot of space so they are perfect for single people living in small places.  Make sure to invest in a super cushy large bed, they kinda just plot down and are so heavy it can cause hip displacement (very common in them unfortunately), but the softness helps!  Good luck!!!

Thanks for all the tips guys! And the good lucks! 6 days and counting. Yeah, I am a procrastinator- but I do really well under pressure (so that is why I wait)... Any way!

Thank you!! :-D

And thanks for the great tips about the Great Dane- I am glad they are good in smaller spaces (I was kind of worried- now not so much)!

 

:-D