Story by Collyn Burke

Photos by Dorian McCradic

Finals can be a tough time for students. The stress of impending exams can often push students into unhealthy eating habits in the name of indulgence and treating yourself. Instead of giving way to your bad eating habits, listen to what your body really needs and pick the healthier alternative.

FRENCH FRIES

Trade the french fries for for healthier options like edamame or pita chips and hummus. Both offer lower calorie counts, and will help fill you up just as much. If you’re having a stubborn starch craving, try eating a baked potato. Baked potatoes have the calories of an order of french fries, but provide lots of healthy fiber.

POTATO CHIPS

Craving chips? Try swapping them out for mixed nuts and seeds like Larabar’s fruit nut and seed mix. The mix has a lower calorie count and will help fill you up quicker. If you’re looking for something a little saltier, it probably means your body is craving sodium chloride. In that case, go for brinier snacks such as green olives or pickles. You can also swap the chips for unbuttered, lightly salted popcorn.

ICE CREAM

Skip the ice cream and mix one teaspoon of cinnamon and one tablespoon of sugar with chopped-up apple slices. The cinnamon apples will satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way. If you’re looking for something closer to the texture of ice cream, try freezing sliced bananas and tossing them in your blender on high for a few minutes.

CHOCOLATE

Chocolate cravings driving you nuts? It’s probably a sign that you need more magnesium. Try snacking on dried fruit or a multigrain bar like Kind, which have less sugar and more protein. If you’re having a stubborn craving, try going for dark chocolate, since it has less sugar and can be healthy in small amounts.

CHEESE

Needing cheese? Your body probably desires more fatty acids. Try swapping cheese for half a cup of hummus and a few carrots. You’ll get the nutrients your body needs without the extra fat and unnecessary calories.