Late Night Studying Snacks

Children need to be healthy and well-nourished to take on the mental strain of exams. The go-to snacks during exams are always aerated drinks, sugary snacks and salty chips. They are easy to procure, keep well and are quick to eat and provide energy. However, the energy is short lived as the sugar high from all the treats, eventually leads to a crash – leaving your child exhausted and drained. Healthy alternatives are equally easy to make, keep well and are far more nutritious than their processed counterparts. Try some of these healthy snacks out and see for yourself.

1. For light snacking; dark chocolate, dates, walnuts and almonds are a great alternative to potato chips or fried snacks. These snacks replace artificial sweeteners and preservatives with healthier alternatives, while also being loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Dates give the boost of sugar needed during studies, without as many calories; while almonds are known to contain nutrients to help boost memory.
2. Fruit bowls are another wonderful way to increase your child's fiber intake, while also loading up on vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Use fruits which are in season and easily available, rather than splurging unneccesarily. A good fruit bowl has a combination of different textures and flavour profiles. It may sound a little far flung, but it is simple to understand. For texture, mix crunchier, firmer fruits like apples, pears and guava, with softer fruits like papayas, melons and bananas. A sprinkling of sunflower seeds or pomegranate also helps to add a little crunch. In terms of flavour, mix mild flavoured fruits like bananas and apples with brighter and more tart fruit such as kiwis and watermelons to achieve balance.
3. Fruit pops are a great way to give your child cold, sweet snacks while studying without resorting to sugar-laden commercial alternatives. Fruit pops can be made out of any fruits high in water content – especially watermelons, kiwis, pineapples and strawberries. You can also add creaminess naturally by adding yoghurt or pureed banana to the popsicle mix. Remember that the popsicles need 4-6 hours to freeze, hence it is smarter to put them into the freezer the night before. To avoid a very thick popsicle mix, add a little water or coconut water to the mix while blending it. Also pop in a few whole pieces of fruit to the liquid, which will freeze into crunchy fruity bites.