It would be great if I could procrastinate studying by baking for hours, but sadly, I can't.
Even if we ignore the fact that I don't have flour in my dorm, I can't spend all my time baking because I need to study. I need the time to review the material if I want to pass.
But I'm always munchy, so I have learnt a few treats that are quick to make, give me time to study and taste great.
I like variety — so here are easy healthy, salty and sweet treat options.
Starting with something healthy — how about a thick, ice cream-like smoothie?
Smoothies are so easy to make, and they're even better if you make them super thick. I like to barely be able to slurp my smoothie up my straw. I almost need a spoon.
The trick is to use more frozen fruit than you think you should. I only add a splash of milk to my smoothies.
I typically use a frozen fruit mix, a bit of milk and any yogurt. There are apps you can use to find deals for fruit or yogurt on sale.
I also recommend putting in your expiring fruit that has been sitting on top of your fridge, being forgotten. I've definitely sacrificed a browning banana or two to a smoothie.
This can be a super mobile treat and fits in your backpack if you put it in a water bottle with a well-sealed lid. (Make sure the lid seals well before putting it in your bag, or you may have an unfortunate accident … especially if your computer is in that bag.)
For mid-day snacks, I choose something savory.
The easiest choice is chips and dip. I bought mango chutney from a farmers' market recently, and it is so good. Ten dollars and I have a jar that will last me a week (depending on how snack-ish I get)!
You can find different salsas and dips at local farmers' markets throughout the city. A popular one near North Campus and Campus Saint-Jean is the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market that is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dips, unfortunately, aren't very easy to travel with, but pretzels are an alternative. They're filling finger food that doesn't make a mess, no matter where you study. They can be crunchy and loud, but so simple.
If you're craving a full meal, try stir-fry.
Stir-fry is such an easy meal to make with anything you have in the fridge. You can throw chicken, beef, carrots, beans, nuts (like cashews or almonds), broccoli or whatever you have left into a pan with soy sauce, water and a chicken bouillon cube.
Just like that, dinner is served.
When I'm studying, I often forget to get groceries — I open the fridge and see that all I have is eggs and carrots. Stir-fries make my life so easy.
If something sweet is up your alley, try dinosaur pudding.
This is honestly a guilty pleasure of mine. It takes a little time to make, but you can study while the pudding sets.
Dinosaur pudding was inspired by a Jurassic Park watch party I was at. We all had to bring a snack, and I brought this concoction.
Dinosaur pudding is chocolate pudding (made from a powder you can buy anywhere) with mini chocolate eggs (or dino eggs) sitting inside. If you want to make it extra special, you can put dinosaur toys on top so they are sinking in the "mud."
It's super fast to set up, but it takes time to set. So it's not an immediate snack, but can be an excuse to study while you wait. If you want the pudding, you have to do an hour of chemistry practice questions first.
Chocolate pudding also makes exams less scary. How could I be stressed with a spoonful of chocolate?
Snacks are fuel.
They can be brain food or motivation to keep studying. I can't use the strategy of putting candy bars in my textbooks to motivate myself to keep reading, but whenever I have a snack, I do feel better.
You are going to do fine on your finals. I promise. Just please remember to eat.
