The most common items that can be found in most college students’ lives include, but are no limited to: fast food, sweets, gallons of coffee, energy drinks and soda. While good for a quick fix, these boosters only serve as a temporary solution–not to mention that the ingredients contained in these foods and beverages often have little to no nutritional value. So how do students stay alert and focused while still being able to maintain their busy schedules? By turning to food choices that are not only healthy but naturally chock full of energy.
Before reaching for a bag of chips or cookies as a snack in between classes or while studying at home, why not grab a yogurt instead? This food item contains naturally high levels of B-vitamins, which play the role of converting nutrients into energy. Good for you and good for your body. These days there are plenty of varieties of flavors and types to choose from, so even students with the pickiest taste palettes are bound to find the yogurt they like best.
Are you a compulsive snacker? This particular eating habit can make or break a person’s daily eating regimen but if the right foods items are chosen then you’ll be doing right by your body. Turn to nuts and seeds as your prime snack of choice. These can be purchased at any store or, for you do-it-yourself types, put together your own healthy bag of snack mix. Great items to throw in include soy nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. What makes these little buggers so powerful is the fact that they are naturally rich in energy boosting properties–namely, iron, B vitamins, protein, vitamin E, fats (the good kind), magnesium and even omega 3 fatty acids. All of these properties help promote a healthier lifestyle and don’t take much effort to implement into a daily eating regimen.
Need a meal that’s not only good for you but will help during a late night study session? Then you’ll want to begin tossing in key green and leafy vegetables, such as spinach, sprouts, asparagus and broccoli. Full of magnesium, calcium, iron and beta-carotene, among others, eating more leafy, green vegetables will not only keep you alert and focused, but also reduces your chances of developing debilitating conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Additionally, these foods also improve immune function.
While on the topic of meals, don’t forget to include eggs! Chock full of protein, eggs are one of the most affordable and easiest food items to prepare. Students have the ability to enjoy a tasty omelet for breakfast, as part of a sandwich for lunch or in any number of dinner meals. However, health experts recommend limiting yourself to no more than three eggs per week.
It may be tempting to stop into a coffee shop and order a tall cup of the strongest brew or reach for the closest, cold energy drink in the store, but students would be well advised to make a healthier switch that still provides effective results. A drink as simple as good ole orange juice gives the body plenty of vitamins, the most obvious being vitamin C, which actually have the power to fight fatigue and keep students energized throughout the day. Homemade fruit smoothies also contain ingredients guaranteed to jolt you awake in the right way. There are tons of DIY fruit smoothie recipes that can easily be found online.
