Hello food ladies - I know you always have great ideas on the board and I need your help! I am in medical school and am studying for a massive exam that I am taking in about 5 weeks. I study from 8-5. I have been doing that for the last 2 days and I have been SO bad at eating. The vending machine almost literally calls my name. So does starbucks and their scones and caramel macchiatos. I need some ideas on some snacks that are satisfying for someone with a sweet tooth and that you can easily carry with you. I DO not want to spend these 5 weeks packing on the pounds. But it can be so hard not to be super snacky when you are super stressed. Any ideas would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks!! Jennifer
Hello there twin. I'm also studying for an exam--well cramming--that I was supposed to take Tuesday but was postponed to Friday. Mine is a professional certification exam--if I pass, I get a license and a huge raise, if I fail I have to wait a whole year to retry. On top of that I was suppposed to move TODAY, but they postponed the move until June 14th. My life is in cardboard boxes.
I just loggd on here after a week of absence for a little inspiration and a shout for help, but I see you've beat me to it.
My snacking is WAY out of control. The scale says I'm up 5 pounds this week, but I'm hoping some of that is water. I've been to Starbucks daily this week--I've switched from the creamy icy treats to iced cinnamon soy lattes, or hot cinnamon soy mistos. I always gawk at the treat counter, but I find that if I walk out of the store without the scone/muffin/brownie, I'm just as satisfied with the coffee, and without the guilt.
I've actually posted a list of sanctioned snacks on my fridge door today. Apples, bananas, strawberries, a handful of cereal, carrots, etc. I may allow myself some homemade popcorn if I get a bad case of the salties. And a chocolate covered bear cookie from Our Family Farm if I REALLY need a chocolate lift.
alli coffin
Fall goals: 1. Bike 40-50 miles a week 2. Prepare new garden bed for next season 3. Heal my back
Posts: 728 | Location: Jersey Shore, USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
Other things I snack on are dry cereal such as Barbara's Shredded Oats or Quaker Oat Squares, Chocolate Cat Cookies for People from Trader Joe's (if you don't have Trader Joe's, Chocolate Teddy Grahams are pretty good) they satisfy a chocolate craving w/ much fewer calories, and I eat mini-carrots almost every day.
Good luck on your exams!
Dawn
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You have to set yourself on fire." anonymous
Posts: 4319 | Location: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: March 15, 2004
If you don't have the money in your pocket to spend on snacks, you won't buy 'em. When I go to Barnes & Noble, I'll only take $5 in cash inside with me, since I know with any more than that, I'll buy a Frappucino, a slice of cheesecake, and anything else that looks good.
Other than that. . .I'm hooked in to the communal brain that's suggesting crunchy stuff, walking, and eating well in general.
Good luck and I'm sure you'll do great!
D
Challenge Goals: *10 minutes of unplanned exercise five times a week *Gym time twice a week *Socialize at least once every two weeks.
Good luck with the exam. I think you've gotten some great ideas. I think that cutting back even some on the machines and coffe drinks will help. See what baby steps you can take. I am sure that you'll study better, sleep better and learn more if you take good care of your body.
Ack! Exams do have a way of wrecking one's eating habits. I just a have a few suggestions.
Starbucks
Lately I've been getting skim almond lattes. The have a LOT fewer cals than frapps and the like. Get whatever flavor you like. You can get soy ones too, if you like soy. It's sneaky, but to save money, you can get a grande in a venti cup, and then add more skim milk at the bar.
Alternately, plain old coffee of the day is a not too bad alternative. Go easy on the cream, and use artifcial sweetner if you can stomach it.
Personally, I find their scones kind of dry, and their banana bread and such kind of oily. So I tend to stick with a choc covered graham. I noticed now there's only one per package - perfect! Last time I tried a choc covered pretzel rod - not *too* bad.
Give yourself a break
Make sure your trips to the vending machine aren't just an excuse to get up and move. If you feel that urge coming on, take a walk around the library building, and think about how you really feel.
Even better, set a timer, or check your watch, and make sure you get up and stretch your legs and get some fresh air for 10 minutes every hour.
Fuel up properly
Make sure you have a decent, long-lasting breakfast before you leave the house. Plus, carbs are shown to kick start your brain. Have a bagel and some peanut butter, or some oatmeal with fruit in it, or a natural fibery crunchy cereal with (soy)milk.
And give yourself some time for a good lunch too. No junk! Remember that you're fueling your brain too. Eating well will help your concentration and retention. Don't think of it as a loss of study time, but a necessary step for effective studying.
Crunch time
OK, so you've eaten your big healthy breakfast, you've walked around, and decided you're well and truly hungry for a snack. Come prepared.
I like crunchy foods when I'm stressing, so I'm thinking celery + pb, baby carrots + fat free ranch, wholegrain flatbread + hummus. If you can keep a cooler in your car, those would be ideal. Otherwise fruit and Luna bars might be the ticket. Maybe a pre-popped bag of micro popcorn too.
Alright I've blathered on enough now. Happy studying and good luck on exams! I'm sure you'll rock em!
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Posts: 1427 | Location: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: March 11, 2004
Fresh fruit, dried fruit, granola bars, luna bars, raw veggies, pretzels, popcorn are the first snacky foods that crossed my mind. I would also encourage you to be sure that you are eating well balanced meals for breakfast and lunch while you are studying. Be sure to get in enough protein and that will help with the munchies. Also drink plenty of water throughout the day!
Best of luck with your exam!
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
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