Over the next few weeks, there will be plenty of posts in the Blogosphere about how to get ready for finals (e.g., study—duh!), but what about what to eat during this often crucial time period? Sometimes you are what you eat (if you’ve ever seen someone who looks like a Burger King Whopper, now you know why).
That’s why we’ve created a shopping list for you—so it’s one less thing to worry about over the course of these next few stressful weeks.
- Blueberries. Blueberries have a lot of health benefits, including that of brain health, aiding in the strengthening of memory. At Costco, an 18-oz container of blueberries is $10.
- Brita Water Pitcher. Unlike caffeine and energy drinks, water won’t make you crash post sugar rush, and it keeps you hydrated. This Brita “Space Saver” pitcher includes enough water for one person, and you can use it again and again ($19.49).
- Green tea. Studies have shown that green tea sharpens people’s minds. Get 40 bags of Lipton green tea for $4.
- Chocolate (yes, chocolate!). After much time studying, reward yourself with this treat. It’s actually not as bad as you think, as studies have shown chocolate can boost memory and problem-solving skills. Try Godiva Chocolatier Dark Chocolate with Almonds for $4. Bonus: Almonds are also good for brain power!
- Whole wheat bread and peanut butter (because you can’t have one without the other!). Whole wheat is high in dietary fiber and carbohydrates, the latter of which prevents your blood sugar from spiking. Also, peanut butter has proven to be a powerful protein, adding to a level of alertness after being consumed. Aldi is a store that has cheaper selections of food like bread, while peanut butter can be purchased at stores like Costco (it’s always thrifty to buy bulk items of food like this because they don’t spoil right away).
- Hummus and red bell peppers. Hummus contains Omega 3 fatty acids which improve intelligence. Red bell peppers contain Vitamin B6 and B, which both respectively help convert protein to energy and relieve stress.
If you’re just sticking to the dining hall fare, then look for fish dishes. A Rush University study showed that people who ate fish once a week for six years had the thinking ability of someone three years younger than them.
Also, a general rule of thumb: the more “colorful” the meal (meaning the more variety of colors you see on your plate), the healthier it is. And the more healthier your meal is, perhaps the less red pen marks you’ll see on your finals.
