A balanced diet is one that provides your body with the nutrition it needs to function properly. College students are often limited on time, under a lot of stress and if they choose to eat, food on the go seems so much more appealing and convenient.

All of these are just a few of the reasons that make it difficult for students to carry a balanced diet. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all important meals. However, in between these meals we should all be consuming snacks.

Healthy snacking is just as important as any other meal. Healthy snacks are essential because they are what helps fuel the body in between meals.

A study published in “The Journal of Nutrition” said that approximately 97 percent of Americans snack, getting 24 percent of their calories from their snacks.

But if those snacks are unhealthy snacks the number may be higher.

With that said, it is important to make wise decisions on the foods we choose for snacks. Truth is, with long days and busy schedules a balanced diet that includes healthy snacks can sometimes seem impossible for college students. However, with a little planning it is possible.

Plan ahead. Use foods that will benefit you in the long run, foods containing nutrients that can fuel your body and give you the energy you need to focus and perform well. Sure, potato chips and candy give a jolt of energy, but before you know it that energy is followed by a crash.

The following are simple snack ideas you can pack before heading to school and might help you avoid the vending machine stop.

Whole wheat bread with peanut butter

Raw veggies of any kind

Apples with ground cinnamon

Banana and peanut butter

Yogurt with granola

Dried fruit with nuts

String cheese and pretzels

Nuts: Almonds, cashews, peanuts

The possibilities are endless and although choosing the healthy snacks can be difficult, remember that the more you do it, the better you get at it.

It takes practice to learn how to shop and prepare the foods that you’ll eat when on the go.

Planning and packing ahead of time can feel like a drag, but the benefits your body will receive are worth it.