Studying for midterms can be exhausting, especially if you aren’t eating right. Hours in the library can take a toll on your brain, so you have to make sure you are giving your body the healthy nutrients it needs! The right food can greatly impact your concentration and focus, and hopefully it can score you a few extra points on your exams!
1. Glucose. Your body cannot survive without sugar. Now this doesn’t mean go eat a piece of cake or a cookie, but an orange or banana can give a short-term boost of energy needed right before a test! It is proven that increased glucose intake affects memory and thinking ability. Also, bring a piece of fruit with you to the library; when you feel yourself fading after hours of studying, fruit can spike your energy fast!
2. Whole Grains. A diet full of whole grains helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. In this case, when studying for midterms, whole grains help your blood flow and circulate throughout the body, pumping more blood into each organ, especially your brain. The blood flow overall enhances your ability to stay focused and sharp.
3. Chocolate. Could it be true? Chocolate could actually be good for you? YES, well, only dark chocolate. Still, it doesn’t excuse you eating five candy bars in one sitting; dark chocolate is healthy in small doses. Dark chocolate is found to have many healthy antioxidants that help enhance focus. Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, satisfying your sweet tooth and giving you energy. What else could you possibly ask for?
4. Nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids can be extremely beneficial to student health. Increasing your intake of omega-3 around midterms can really make a difference in your memory and brainpower. You will be able to stay longer in the library, spend more time studying before becoming tired, and find it easier to memorize material faster. Nuts are typically high in fat, so don’t eat an entire container; a small handful of nuts can go a long way!
5. Leafy Greens. Ditch the romaine and iceberg lettuce, and try opting for either kale or spinach. While romaine and iceberg offer almost no nutritional benefits, kale and spinach are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin B. They are proven to improve brain strength, memory, and focus. Also, leafy greens contain folic acid, increasing mental clarity and keeping your brain concentrated all day long.
6. Blueberries. They may be small, but don’t let their size fool you. These little guys pack so many nutrients that you wouldn’t even believe. Blueberries contain many antioxidants proven to boost memory and increase brain attention for up to five hours. Similar to whole grains, the antioxidants help circulate blood flow to the entire body, clarifying your brain and overall improving your wellbeing.
Now, for example, you obviously aren’t going to have a bowl of blueberries or a bar of chocolate (I wish) for dinner, but it’s not hard to incorporate some of these nutrient-filled brain foods into your daily food routines. You’ll find it’s not impossible to trade iceberg lettuce for spinach, or milk chocolate for dark. Likewise, all of this doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to Baked or Mother Bear’s during midterms, because you totally can (and probably should,) but plan out what you are going to eat around exams and schoolwork and you’ll find your studying much more effective!