You Are What You Eat: How To Boost Your Brain With Your Daily Food Intake

Posted on February 5, 2016

Let’s be honest, studying is exhausting, especially when you have deadlines, exams looming and essay writing. For that reason, it’s important to give your brain a proper rest between classes – think of it as like charging your phone, it needs extra juice! This is especially important before exams.

It’s a common fact that some foods can really boost your brain function, which means you are learning more effectively, and you’re less likely to hit that brick wall. Certain foods have a very positive effect on your brain, giving you energy, a much-needed sugar boost, and giving you more nutrition to continue onwards, without falling foul of those energy slumps which can occur when you head for unhealthy choices, such as the nearest pizza place via your mobile phone.

Think about your snacking needs and you will not only save money, which we know nobody has got an awful lot of at this stage of life, but you’ll give your brain the power it needs to continue through that study all-nighter.

Check these tips out; these snacks are easy to make, and they will convert you into superman/woman, exactly when you need it.

• Oily fish. Basically here we’re talking about that all-important omega-3 boost that you hear so much about in magazines and on the TV. A couple of servings per week is enough to boost your brain and memory function, so pack your evening meal or your sandwich with salmon, mackerel, or sardines for example.

• Rice cakes with peanut butter and banana. A boost of fibre and protein, plus they’re easy on the bank balance.

• Smoothies. Be careful with pre-bought ones, as they have more sugar in them than you can imagine sometimes, however making your own means you get your five a day boost, plus plenty of energy to continue with your studying. Throw in some chocolate or peanut butter for extra luxury.

• Granola bars, DIY style. You can easily make your own bars, which are less calorific in terms of sugar content, by throwing in oats, peanut butter, honey, dates, almonds etc. Great for vitamins and brain boosting too.

• Hummus and carrot sticks. Quick, easy, nutritious, and cheap.

• Stir fry. If you open the cupboard and all you see is the odd vegetable and a packet of noodles, throw them all in a stir fry for the ultimate energy booster, vitamin boost, and again, easy on the pocket.

• Avocado on brown toast. Stick to brown toast for the wholegrain benefits, but avocado is a great pick me up when your energy levels are heading south. Nutella is another good option here.

• Baked banana chips. Avoid the fried potato variety of chips, and instead look towards energy boosting bananas. You can add chilli flakes for a savoury boost, or dip them in peanut butter if you want to go sweet.

• Tomato soup. Skip the bread but drink a cup of creamy tomato soup for nutrition and energy, plus it’s warming too on those cold days.

• Apple slices dipped in peanut butter. The ultimate chips and dip solution, without the calories, and with plenty of extra energy zing.

• Hard-boiled egg with pepper. Eggs are a great source of protein, but they are also filling too, whilst giving you energy that won’t result in a crash an hour or two later. Throw some brown toast into the mix if you’re still hungry.

• Low fat yoghurt with honey and walnuts. This is another luxurious and creamy treat, which has major brain boosting elements, and gives you a full belly at the same time.

As you can see, it’s not hard to find snacks that tick all the boxes you need during your studies – boosting your brain, easy to cook, giving you energy, ticking off your nutrition needs, and not breaking the bank at the same time. Throw away those take away menus, and don’t head straight towards the sugar-laden cereal box when you’re a bit peckish; check out these ideas instead.