Nourish and Flourish: Study Smarter with the Right Diet

Posted on Monday, December 2nd, 2024

We are about to wrap up another semester for the holiday season, but first, we have to get through a round of exams and final assignments. Don’t get into the relaxing mode just yet! ❄️ Today I want to talk about how we can use healthy habits and nutritious foods to help us study smarter and ace those final exams! I will try to keep it relatively short and sweet to not take you away from studying too long. 📚

Planning ahead is going to be your key to success this exam season. This will ensure you are prepared and will help you to save time, money and stress during your studies. If we are being honest with ourselves, we know that we will always choose the most convenient option every time we can. So how can we make the healthy choice the convenient choice? Throughout the blog today I will share meal planning tricks and some of my favourite easy meals and snacks to try out for this season!

I am sure everyone has heard about meal prepping at one time or another, but perhaps you haven’t thought of it in this way. It does not have to look like preparing large quantities of food every weekend and eating the same meals every day for the week. It can be a lot more flexible and still help you eat healthier while saving time. So, here are some of my top tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Preparing meals and snacks in advance can save you time, money, and stress. Think of simple and balanced options that are easy to grab when you’re deep into your study groove. Try bulk prepping different proteins, carbs and veg to mix and match and make different meals during the week.
  • Keep It Balanced: A balanced diet helps maintain your energy levels and concentration. Include a mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains in your meals to stay nourished and focused.
  • Mind Your Caffeine: While caffeine can provide a quick energy boost, too much can lead to jitters and crashes. Monitor your intake and consider alternatives like herbal teas or water to stay hydrated. Check out my caffeine blog to learn more about this!
  • Regular Eating: Eating at regular intervals throughout the day helps keep your energy levels stable. Instead of large meals, opt for smaller portions and healthy snacks to maintain productivity.
  • Small Steps, Big Change: Implementing even small changes in your eating habits can lead to significant improvements in your study efficiency. Start with these tips and notice the difference in your focus and energy.

Now let’s talk about some of my favorite study foods to make at home or grab on campus:

At Home

  1. Upgraded Instant Ramen: this is a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal option that will provide you with the nutrients you need to study hard and ace your exams. Try adding ingredients found in your fridge like vegetables, leftover tofu or meat, boiled eggs etc.
  2. Snack Plate: these are a great way to get a variety of foods without having to cook a full meal. Include different cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, vegetables, nuts, crackers and more!
  3. Jar Meals: a great choice for on the go. Try making salads, overnight oats, or parfaits in a jar the night before to set yourself up for an easy to grab option the next day!

Check out Cookspiration, a website run by Dietitians of Canada for some other quick and easy ideas to make at home!

On Campus:

  1. Grab and Go Salads/Sandwiches: there are lots of different salad and sandwich options all over campus when you’re looking to grab a quick and balanced bite!
  2. Chefs Choice: if you want a balanced home cooked meal option, check out the chef’s choice menu for the day. These options typically include a carbohydrate, vegetable and protein source!
  3. It’s a Wrap: make your favourite wrap or sub creation with lots of veggies. Try getting a 12 inch and saving half for later when you’re in a rush.

While these are some of my favourites, there are lots of on campus options to support effective studying. Make sure you scout them out, so you know where you want to go when you need a quick bite! Eating smartly will not only enhance your study sessions but also contribute to your overall well-being. ✨Happy studying! ✨


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