Home Stretch

Original Image by Steven S. via Flickr

By: Nikki Nies

Like many college students, I’m counting down the weeks until classes are over this semester.  If any one was wondering, it’s 7 weeks, not including finals.  With the added stress of finishing classes well, many make shortcuts in parts of their lives to dedicate more energy and time to studying.

However, one’s nutrition should not be compromised for the grade.  In fact, there has been a correlation between better nutrition and better academics.  I know a lot of people may have started the semester off right, bringing prepared meals from home or choosing the healthier choices at the dining hall, but I know, myself included, that with stress, one may succumb to sliding into bad habits.

Here are some quick reminders how every college student can squeeze in some healthy meals into their everyday lives, which will provide optimal concentration on exams!

1. Bring snacks to class!–bring some carrots and hummus, almonds and an apple to class to curb cravings.
2.  Limit high fat offerings, such as French fries, mozzarella sticks, cinnabons
3. Limit high caloric beverages–watch the amount of sugar per serving of soda, ice tea, energy drinks etc. 
4. Hydrate! Drink water before, during and after a meal
5. Limit discretionary calories–such as sweets and alcohol
6. eat more antioxidant dense foods–berries, beans, artichokes, apples and cherries

What’re your go to snacks to have on hand? To help you get through finals? Best of luck to all!