The first round of exams and papers is almost underway, if not already, for most students. We all know what that means: Late-night snacking will commence with a ferocity unseen at calmer points in the semester.
I know how hard it can be to power through the last few pages of an essay at 1 a.m. without something satisfying my hunger cravings. And who hasn’t used food as a motivation to study for just a little longer?
Late-night eating also could not be further from healthy eating, and I think even the most health-conscious foodie gives in every once in a while. If you’ve forced your eyes open to brave your laptop screen's light at 3 a.m., you want something simple and tasty that will re-energize your tired body.
First up is a common snack for any time of day: popcorn. I don’t need to tell you how to make it or where to buy it. What I do recommend is spicing up your normal bag. Throw some chocolate chips in there when it’s hot to melt them or add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to coat the corn in gooey, subtle sweetness. Or you can head in the opposite direction by adding some heat. Sriracha drizzled on top or wasabi peas mixed in will wake you up.
Next is definitely the healthiest option, and as an avocado lover, one of my favorites. First, cut a ripe avocado in half and throw the pit away. Then fill the hole in the middle with olive, sea salt and black pepper. The avocado skin serves as a bowl, and you can easily scoop out the insides with a spoon, making this process a low-mess option. This is one of my favorite quick snacks to tide me over between meals and feels just a little gourmet.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, the next option is perfect. Hot chocolate is a childhood favorite and one of my preferred beverages in the winter. But, let's face it: Those Nestle packets of instant mix aren’t great. Fortunately, making homemade hot chocolate is way easier than it sounds. All you need is milk, a bar of chocolate and a little sugar.
First, use a stove to heat a cup of milk with a tablespoon of sugar until it’s slightly simmering. Then, add in half a bar or half a cup of chopped chocolate until it’s smooth and melted together. The whole process only takes a few minutes and is so worth it when you need a sugary drink to stay awake.
Last but certainly not least are adult bagel bites, because why should kids be the only ones to enjoy these little circles of pizza goodness? First, you need a base for the toppings, and I usually use either a bagel (duh) or an English muffin. Then load it up with whatever you’d put on a normal pizza. I usually stick to just sauce and cheese, but sometimes I jazz it up with banana peppers or oregano sprinkled on top. Toast them for a few minutes and enjoy the cheesy goodness and nostalgia.
