by Luz Moncada
Finals week is notorious for causing stress and anxiety in students. It’s not surprising that some forget to eat as there are more pressing issues to think about. “To be honest with you I may say that I eat all kinds of things, but I feel like during finals week is when I eat less because I feel stressed out,” said Leslie Castaneda, a communication major.
Finals week shouldn’t stop you from grabbing a snack or eating your favorite comfort food, though. According to The Washington Post, “A healthy human brain can process information as fast as 268 mph, can make trillions of connections to other cells and can think nearly 60,000 thoughts a day.” That’s a lot of work to put on the brain, and it’s important to fuel it with the proper nutrients.
At the start of your day instead of just drinking coffee or eating a bowl of cereal, try eating something with protein. A piece of toast with a spread of avocado, a hardboiled egg or even a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich are great sources of protein.
Time is limited during this hectic week so simple snacks like these are quick and easy choices you can take with you on your way to class. “Protein builds new and repairs damaged tissue in our bodies and brains. Amino acids (parts of proteins) ignite certain neurotransmitters in the brain,” The Washington Post informs.
During lunch and dinnertime you may find yourself in between classes or cramming for the next exam. The easiest option is to go to the nearest vending machine and grab some chips with a soda. “I sometimes wish there were healthier foods here. I feel like I eat a lot of junk food,” said communication major Alexandria Arias.
Instead, plan ahead and pack some snacks so next time your stomach is growling you’re not standing in front of the vending machine trying to choose between Hot Cheetos or Lays chips. Crunchy apples, carrots, string cheese, pepperoni slices, trail mix, strawberries, Cuties oranges and even dark chocolate are snacks that contain protein, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids.
Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself! After a long day, sit back and enjoy your favorite meal. “When I get home from a long day one of the things I really like to eat is ice cream with Cocoa Puffs cereal on top,” said Castaneda.
Finals week is a stressful time, but with these snacks, you can fuel your way to the end.
