Finals week can feel never-ending. From juggling final exams to staying up late to finish projects and dance rehearsals on top of it all, it is a lot to balance, and it is easy to start to get overwhelmed and forget to prioritize self-care and stay fueled and hydrated. However, your brain and body are what get you through finals week! It is important to stay fueled and energized so your brain and body can perform at their best. Let’s talk snacks that will keep you focused, energized, and ready to tackle finals week.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is known as “dancer brain fuel” for good reason. It has everything that you need to stay fueled throughout the day. It consists of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and cereal or pretzels for some extra crunch. This mix makes this a snack packed with all of the essentials: protein, fats, and carbs. Just throw it in a small bag or container and put it in your dance bag. It’s super simple and tasty!
Apple Slices
Apples are a great source of natural sugar. If you want to create more interesting snacks, apples are also very customizable! Cut up some crisp apples and include your favorite peanut, almond, or sunflower butter for the perfect dip. If you want something a little extra, include coconut shavings for a topping. Apples are the perfect natural energy boost that won’t make you crash. And the nut butter of your choice will provide a healthy fat to ensure you stay full.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Who doesn’t love a parfait? Take your favorite (plain or flavored) Greek yogurt, fruit, granola, and honey. Coconut, chocolate chips, or chia seeds make great additional toppings for custom flavors. Prep your parfait the night before, put it in the fridge overnight, and it’s good to go the next day! These delicious snacks taste like dessert but have loads of protein and fiber to fuel your next study session.
Cheese and Crackers
A simple but tasty snack. Cut up your favorite cheese blocks (cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, etc), and grab some crackers (whole grain is a healthy option). This is the perfect savory snack for when you’re on the go. It has that crunch while also providing protein and calcium.
Mini Sandwich Bites
You can never go wrong with a sandwich. For something light and simple, grab some whole-grain bread, a meat of your choice, and hummus. While these may be bite-sized, they are tiny but mighty. They will include all the fuel you need throughout your day. Bonus points if you use cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes. This extra detail might sound silly, but it will make you smile.
