The week college students have been dreading since their first day has finally come. Finals Week has arrived. During this time, students cram what they have learned throughout the semester into one long night of studying. They begin craving food, especially junk food, and the urges become too hard to resist. Having to take time out of their busy schedules to cook is too time-consuming; therefore, they turn to alternatives like take-out, delivery, and binge-eating junk food to make life a little easier. However, research from the Franklin Institute and British Journal of Nutrition has stated that “Poor dietary choices, such as choosing chips over peanuts, have a direct effect on brain function and the ability for one to concentrate.” You’re probably thinking, “Yeah it’s true, but I’ll be fine. I’ll just eat later.” But in reality, you’re more likely to eat something unhealthy.
The Huffington Post blog published an article titled "7 Brain Foods to Help You Power Through Finals." It’s a time crunch right now for most students, but eating healthier can change your attitude. Here are some of their recommendations:
- Avocados
- High Stress-relieving B-vitamins and potassium, lowers blood pressure
- Tea
- Drinking herbal teas such as, mint, chamomile, ginseng or lemon can calm your nerves
- Fish
- We all know it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, but this food also has stress-fighting nutrients such as vitamin B6 and vitamin B12
- Milk
- This can help your muscles relax and reduce stress.
- Just be sure to wipe that mustache off your mouth before you go to bed
- Yogurt
- Put down that pint of ice cream and pick up a container full of yogurt instead. Be creative and by adding in your own touch such as fruits, nuts, and berries.
- Nuts
- Eating while you’re on the go can help you eliminate hunger. Packing a bag of nuts and eating this as a late night snack can help you prevent from getting a cold during finals week.
- Dark Chocolate
- You can never go wrong with dark chocolate. The flavonoids and antioxidants found in dark chocolate can lower stress hormone levels and improve your mood. And just in case you’re wanting some coffee, dark chocolate has a tad bit to give your body a boost.
I went around our campus and asked a couple of students what they usually eat during finals week and how they felt. Aracely Dela Cruz, a senior nutrition major and a media studies minor, explained that eating healthy has given her more energy and allows her to feel healthier during finals week. She recommends eating:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Toast with almond butter and banana
- Almonds
- Oatmeal with fruit
Alana S., a second-year elementary education major, said she doesn’t eat quite healthy. She stated that she wish she could, but she never just has the time. She sometimes feels sluggish after eating it but says it doesn’t affect her. Her top five stress food are:
- Mac 'n' cheese
- Apples
- Chips
- Cookies
- Ice cream
Sometimes it is okay to eat junk food when you're stressed; however, try changing up your eating habits. Eating healthier can change your lifestyle and relieve your stress. But just remember, after finals, it is Winter Break and you can indulge in all the food you want, including homemade meals. With that being said, good luck on your finals!
