The start of the fall semester is chock-full of excitement, especially for freshman who are eager to start their college experience off on the right foot (or the left if you want- college is about experimenting!). There are plenty of new friends, awesome parties, cool campus hot-spots to explore, interesting new classes, and, of course, midterms which are right around the corner! Before you take one step into your first Intro to Psych lecture, you should be thinking about how to prepare for that upcoming midterm, so grab your study-buddy and head on over to Club Tisch.

Long days in Tisch can get wicked draining, meaning you need to fuel up before, during, and after each jam-packed cramming sesh. Here are some yummy recipes for healthy snacks to give you that energy boost you need!

1. You’ve tried carrots (grody!), you’ve tried pita (booooring!), but hummus gets a make-over with this protein-packed recipe. Take the remaining piece of your bluezone from the night before and cut it into three triangles. Then, smear a thick layer of hummus between them, stack the layers, and stick it in the microwave for 3 minutes. The buffalo chicken and blue cheese fill your body with the protein you need to make it through the morning, and the bread is packed with nutritious whole wheat carbs to soak up the alcohol still in your stomach. Get ready for some mega energy and some pungent farts in the reading room! This snack is best consumed right after waking up.
   
2. Milkshakes are overrated. They’re full of fat and sugar and never leave you completely satisfied. To make this lighter version of a frothy shake, swap out the milk for 1.5 cups of Keystone lite, which will save on calories and feel a little nicer for tummies sensitive to lactose. Instead of heavy and caloric ice cream, we mix in the Reese’s pieces that you stole from the Dewick sundae bar last Thursday. If you’re feeling indulgent, throw in some mini M&Ms as well- we know you have a Ziploc of those too. This is definitely a treat that you can enjoy guilt-free.
   
3. Blueberries, full of antioxidants that stimulate the neurons in your brain and help you focus, make a power couple when paired with mashed avocados, jam-packed with healthy fats to keep you full. This delectable concoction can be frozen for a delicious cold treat to handle the early fall heat, and you can converse with your new floormates about how good those healthy fats are for your digestive system while you hold your Chipotle burrito in the other hand.
   
4. Green smoothies are the latest trend, but kale and spinach can really rack up the grocery bill. Fortunately, those aren’t the only veggies packed with vitamins and minerals. A little bit of that “green stuff” from your roommate’s boyfriend’s bong can be rich in flavonoids and give you the extra kick you need to make it through the next chapter of Thucydides.
   

Happy munching, Freshmen! ☻☺