With midterms come late night stress eating. Make your snacking work for you by picking foods that can help keep the anxiety away. Here are five ideas to help you walk into that exam calm, cool, and collected:
1. Oatmeal
Why? Carbohydrates boost your serotonin levels, which makes you feel happy and relaxed. Pick complex carbohydrates over simple carbs, which give you a short-lived boost of energy.
Snack on: whole grain breads and pastas, brown rice
Recipe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/oatmeal-cacao-nibs-figs
2. Leafy Green Vegetables
Why? Dark leafy greens are full of magnesium, which helps keep headaches and fatigue at bay.
Snack on: spinach, Swiss chard, kale
Recipe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/sauteed-swiss-chard-with-garlic-and-lemon
3. Avocado
Why? Help keep your brain healthy and your blood pressure low with foods high in potassium, like avocados.
Snack on: bananas, coconut water
Recipe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/avocado-cream
4. Nuts
Why? High levels of the stress hormone cortisol cause numerous health issues, including weight gain and lowered immune system function. Snacking on nuts help you maintain a healthy balance.
Snack on: walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts
Recipe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/candied-nuts-with-smoked-almonds
5. Dark Chocolate
Why? Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which support heart health and low blood pressure. Avoid chocolate that has been highly processed, and look for a cacao content of about 70 percent to keep up the health benefits.
Snack on: blueberries, apples
Recipe: http://deliciouslyella.com/guest-recipe-raw-cherry-and-chocolate-fudge/
Good luck, everybody! We’re rooting for you.
Disclaimer: This is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or to any other individual. You should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation, or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.