I think we can all agree that finals week is just the worst. However, although there are few redeeming qualities about it, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to suffer through it. 

Here are three yummy and healthy study snacks that will get you through the stressful week feeling energized and alert instead of sluggish and tired, the way our usual finals week friends (cookies, chips, etc.) make us feel. 

Jazzy Nut Mix

Nuts are a great healthy snack to have available when you're staying up late studying. They have healthy fats that keep you feeling full and focused. Here is a recipe for a sweet treat that will leave you feeling much better than a cookie will. 

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup of your favorite type of nuts (almonds work really well)
• 4 tbsp. sugar (brown sugar works best)
• 3 tbsp. water
• Cinnamon (I like a lot of cinnamon, but put however much you like!)

How to Make It:

Place all the ingredients into a microwave-safe bowl and mix them all together until they're nicely combined. Once everything is mixed together, microwave the nuts for about 4 minutes (maybe shorter or longer depending on the strength of your microwave). After 4 minutes, take the bowl out and stir everything together one more time before putting it back in the microwave for another 2 minutes or so. After this, take the nuts out and let them sit until completely cool. Then enjoy your sweet treat!

Party Popcorn

Popcorn is a fan favorite. However, the popcorn you'll find in your vending machines is oftentimes full of trans fats and fake butter, a combination that won't be very helpful to your body and brain as you try to study. Popcorn can be a really healthy snack without all of those additives. 

Here are two popcorn variations that will satisfy whatever craving you're having.

What You'll Need:

• Popcorn kernels (1/4 cup is a good place to start) 
• Brown paper (lunch) bag
• Topping ideas: Shredded parmesan cheese and black pepper, mini dark chocolate chips

How to Make It:

You can make your own popcorn easily in a microwave! Place the popcorn kernels into a large brown paper bag and then seal the bag well. Try folding down the edges and pinning them down and then folding the top over a few times. If the bag isn't sealed well, your popcorn might fly out, so be careful! Once the bag is well-closed, microwave for about 2 minutes. The time may vary depending on the strength of your microwave. As a rule of thumb, as soon as the popping sounds become less frequent, take your popcorn out so that it doesn't burn. 

Once the popcorn is popped, place it into a large bowl and get ready to add toppings! One fun idea that will spice things up a bit is adding parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a bit of salt for a delicious salty snack. For a sweeter option, wait for the popcorn to cool and then add in mini dark chocolate chips (or melt the chocolate and drizzle it on top!) and peanuts or mini marshmallows. You can also try drizzling honey on top and adding sliced almonds. 

Fancy Fondue

Making chocolate fondue in my dorm has satisfied my sweet cravings on many occasions and has always proven to be exactly what I needed. If you use dark chocolate and dip in healthy bites, this can be an antioxidant-packed snack that's good for you and tastes great too. 

What You'll Need:

• Dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
• A splash of water or skim milk 
• To dip in: Any type of fruit (bananas, strawberries, and clementines work well), gluten-free or whole wheat pretzels, brown rice cakes, dates, raisins, nuts, biscotti (a surprisingly healthy cookie option)

How to Make It:

Making fondue is much easier than you might think. Place the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and add the splash of water or milk. Then microwave the chocolate for about 45 seconds or so. Take the bowl out and then mix the chocolate until it becomes a melty sauce. Then dip in your favorite small bites and enjoy a luxurious treat!

Ready to Try?

Will you be trying these recipes? I wish everyone a happy, healthy finals week and hope that these snacks make it a bit better. Let me know what you think in the comments!