Finals week is just around the corner, thus marking the end of another semester, and for seniors, the end of your last semester. It is way too easy to succumb to the stress that comes from spending hours upon hours in the library, so having a somewhat detailed plan to get through it can be crucial to keep the energy levels up. According to Brainfacts.org, the brain takes up 20 percent of your body’s daily energy intake. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind what you are eating while you’re studying, as this can heavily affect your concentration, energy level, and ability to retain information.
We have gathered a small list of healthy snacks that will ensure that you are able to deal with the pressure of finals week and avoid gaining those extra pounds:
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- Whole grains
Eating whole grains can do wonder for your studying abilities. They contain glucose, which fuels cellular activities and is actually the body’s primary source of energy. This will greatly increase your ability to concentrate and keep you going longer. Examples could be oatmeal, dark breads, or granola bars.
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- Avocados
The rich and creamy avocado contains tons of fatty acids that produce something called myelin, which is a kind of coating for your brain that helps information travel faster and speeds up the messages in your brain–perfect for obtaining a lot of information over a short period of time!
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- Leafy greens
Leafy greens such as spinach have been proven to help preserve brain function because they contain vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene. The National Library of Medicine found that men and women who ate one to two servings of green, leafy vegetables every day had the cognitive ability of someone who is 11 years younger than themselves.
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- Nuts
Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, etc. have been proven to help boost memory, concentration, and the speed that your brain processes information. Eating nuts in general is good for your health, as they contain omega-3 fatty acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
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- Popcorn
It turns out popcorn isn’t just a movie snack! It is a good source of whole grains and vitamin B6 which aids the communication between your brain cells. It also contains fiber and antioxidants, making it overall a healthy snack (as long as you hold back on the salt).
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- Blueberries
According to researchers from Tuft University, blueberries have the ability to improve memory and reverse memory loss. Also, out of all the fruits, it contains the most antioxidants. Delicious and super healthy!
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- Dark chocolate
If your cravings are not satisfied by the other snacks that we have provided, you don’t need to worry. Dark chocolate contains cocoa, which has the ability to improve verbal fluency and cognitive function, as well as improving blood flow to the brain. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate isn’t all that bad for you (in moderate amounts of course).