Fuel Your Mind With These Brain-Boosting Foods

05/05/15

By CampusDiscovery

It’s no surprise that many college students have terrible eating habits; between attending classes, homework, studying, jobs and a social life, there’s little time to make a healthy meal. On a college student’s budget, it can take a little creativity to stock a dorm room with nutritious snacks and good food, but this is exactly the time when students need to have access to those brain-boosting foods. All-night study sessions, mid-terms and those excruciating three-hour classes require focus and sustained energy, but it’s really not that difficult (or expensive) to find quick snacks to help keep students’ minds at peak performance. Here are just a few of the yummy and quick snacks students can grab before their next class or study session.

Yogurt & Fruit

Tests and assignments can definitely create stress, but yogurt has tyrosine, which actually helps students decrease anxiety and return to a calmer state of mind. Topping yogurt with berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants, will also help students improve their memory and boost their immune systems.

Guacamole & Chips

Avocados are great for eye health, which is essential for students who spend a good portion of their lives staring at a computer or smartphone screen. They are also packed with Vitamin E, which help protect against many diseases and helps maintain overall health. Students can mash up a ripe avocado with some chopped tomatoes and onions, which are packed with antioxidants, and pair it with some tortilla chips for a quick, healthy snack.

Peanut Butter

Packed with fiber and protein, peanut butter will help students fight hunger pangs and stay on track. It can be paired with apples or toast for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the day. For a brain-boosting version, students can try almond butter, which can be found at higher-end grocery stores or online.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate lovers rejoice! The flavonoids in dark chocolate help increase blood flow to key parts of the brain for several hours, which can really help during a long test. Students should carry a bar with them at all times, eating a piece whenever they need to increase their focus and concentration.

Another quick pick-me-up that most students probably already know about is coffee, but it should be used in moderation; too much caffeine can actually have the opposite effect and make it difficult for students to sit still and focus on the task at hand. The brain uses glucose as fuel, so when it is running on empty, students may find it hard to concentrate. Keeping nuts, cheese, berries and other super foods nearby can help students power-up whenever needed and keep their minds focused.