Hey readers, I know we’re all drowning in a swamp of midterms and assignments right now but this is important. As appealing as it may seem to live off Cap’s mozzarella sticks and Oreos while we cram for our exams, eating junk food 3 times a day isn’t exactly a balanced diet. During exam time it’s especially important to get lots of rest and eat healthy meals in order for our brains to focus on our school work. With that in mind, here are some great snacks that will give your brain a boost and keep you well fed during exam time.
Blueberries: For one, they’re a mess-free snack, perfect for munching on while pouring over pages of notes. Also, according to a 2010 report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, people who consumed blueberries on a regular basis had higher results on learning and memory tests.
Avocado: They may be high in fats but these unsaturated fats actually help protects nerve cells in your brain and keep brain cell membranes flexible. Not to mention, they’re really easy to carry around if you need to grab a snack for later. Try spreading avocado on toast or mixing it into a salad.
Salmon: There’s plenty of this delicious fish on the west coast and it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids. Translation into English: it helps make brain cells and strengthen memory-related synapses. Try making a smoked salmon omelette or grab a lox bagel on campus.
Dark Chocolate: That’s right, I’m telling you to eat chocolate after lecturing you on eating healthy during exam time. Here’s the thing, eating dark chocolate can actually improve blood flow to your brain and is a great way to stay focused during long study sessions. Besides, you deserve it for all the hard work you’ve been doing.
Midterms are stressful for everyone and it’s easy to slip into bad eating habits. Don’t forget, poor diet and high stress are not good for your mental health. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically and mentally so you can power through your tests like a pro. Maybe invite a friend to grab some food with you to give yourself a break and make sure your friends are eating well too. Good luck with your tests and assignments!
Be kind to yourselves,
Malaika
The views expressed in this blog are my own, and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the University of Victoria. I monitor posts and comments to ensure all content complies with the University of Victoria Guidelines on Blogging.