Finals are upon us, and that means marathon library sessions, hours behind a computer screen, packing in every spare moment, and probably more stress than we really ever wanted for the end of the semester. It’s not ideal, but we’ll all get through this. So before reading the rest of this article, take a moment, sit back, and breathe. There’s only one week until summer.
Of course, to get through the next week, you’re gonna need some good fuel. In all the stress of studying for tests, writing papers, and desperately trying to sneak in a couple of hours of sleep, it can be easy just to fall back into eating whatever’s closest and easiest to munch on in any given moment. But even though those Doritos are absolutely delicious (and yes you probably do deserve a treat), trying to add something a little healthier to your go-to study snack will give a bigger energy boost and help you remember everything just a little bit better.
One of the best things to think about when packing/choosing a snack during a marathon study session is to make sure that at least two food groups are included. Including multiple food groups help you stay full for longer, and makes sure that you get all the necessary benefits from the food you’ve eaten. Plus food generally tastes better when you eat more than one thing!
1. Peanut butter and fruit sandwiches
Personally, I’m a big fan of the banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chip combination. But you could also do this with apple slices and peanut butter. I know it takes a bit longer to cut up the fruit to make sandwich-type snack, but the small break can be necessary and totally relaxing.
2. Homemade trail mix
There are a number of ways to mix this up. The simplest way to do this is to take about a cup of cereal or popcorn, a small handful of almonds, and a couple pieces of fresh/dried fruit and mix them together in a bowl. It covers all the necessary bases, and is a yummy, filling snack. Personally, I like to add a couple M&Ms or Brookside chocolates, just to allow myself the sweet snack I’ve been craving.
3. Homemade peanut butter cups
These take a bit longer, and are definitely something that need to be made ahead of time, probably during reading days. You’ll need chocolate chips, pretzels, and peanut butter. Melt the chocolate. Then spread some peanut butter on the pretzels, and dip them in the chocolate. Then put them on a cookie sheet with wax paper, and let them sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Once you’re finished, you should have a perfect study snack for the week.
4. Almonds and dark chocolate
If you’re short on time, this is a quick snack that will help with both your salt and sugar cravings. Almonds (and other nuts) are a proven healthy fat, that will help keep you concentrated and give you the energy boost you need. Dark chocolate, in small quantities, can be very good for your health. It has a high fiber content, and is a powerful source of antioxidants.
5. Hummus and carrots
This is one is also good for any quick study breaks, as it takes little to no preparation. Just dip the carrots in the hummus and you’re all set!
Bonus: If you have a little bit of time during reading days (and you absolutely need a break from studying), try making these homemade “Clif” bars. They’re a perfect study snack, and if you’re anything like me, baking can be a wonderful study break — just distracting enough to provide a real mental break but with a set time limit.
Happy finals, Domers! Go Irish, beat finals!