Stress eating is a common occurrence while studying, but
this usually does more harm than good. It's not wrong to treat yourself with some delicious chocolate or a sneaky slice of cake every now and then, but put the excessively junky food back in the cupboard and go
get yourself something that will help you succeed with the draining tasks of
studying, revising and writing exams. Here are some tips on how and what to eat to help you get the most out of your study sessions.
Tip 1: Spread out your meals, and don't eat too much at a time
Eat more frequently but in smaller portions to avoid constant cravings for unhealthy snacks. Avoiding huge meals will also keep you from feeling bloated and lazy. It's hard to concentrate on an overly full stomach, so try to avoid this, as you want to be comfortable and at-ease when hitting the books. This also means avoiding fizzy drinks.Tip 2: Opt
for food groups that help your brain work
While studying, try to focus on foods that provide fuel for your brain, such as:
- proteins
- fruits and veggies
- omega-3 (found in fish)
- dark chocolate
- caffeine in reasonable amounts (tea yes, coffee less, energy drinks never)
- lots and lots
of water
We tend to underestimate water. Staying hydrated doesn’t just keep away those inhibitive headaches but also curbs annoying cravings. Sticking to healthy foods will provide the help your brain needs to absorb all that new information, also helping to create healthier long-term memory pathways.
Tip 3:
Plan your meals ahead of time
This may sound like a pain, but meal planning has many benefits. Firstly, you can plan your shopping trip with a better goal in mind and avoid unnecessary purchases, which will save you time and money. Secondly, it lessens the temptation to be lazy and get takeaways or make some instant noodles. Thirdly, it saves you time and stress from rummaging through your cupboards scrambling to conjure up a meal. Write it down or use an app, but put in the effort once a week to plan out your meals. You'll be glad you did!
Tip 4:
Don't go cold turkey
A misconception has formed that new healthy habits come about only with extreme discipline, with an all-or-nothing approach. Rather than trying to cut out all the junk food at once, try a more manageable approach that will actually be achievable and succeed in the long run.
When you gradually and systematically change your diet, eventually your body shouldn't crave the 'bad' things anymore, as its getting all the nutrients it really craves in your normal diet. Allowing a treat every now and then, though not every day, can serve as motivation while also preventing an it's-all-too-much-for-me binge eating session. If you're dreaming about a delicious piece of cake, use that feeling and set it as a reward for yourself for making it through the week or finishing a tough assignment.
Tip 6: Tell your friends
If you struggle with curbing your habits,
tell your family or friends about your goal and ask them to support you and help keep you
accountable. Sometimes putting something out there is the best motivation to stick to it!
Tip 5: Make sure you enjoy what you eat!
Solely munching on raw lettuce and dry chicken is a sure-fire way to get you spiralling back into your unhealthy eating habits. Do your research to find out about healthy but tasty foods you'll actually enjoy eating. Try out new recipes, follow tutorials on YouTube, check Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration. Whatever you do, make sure you like the food that you're eating. You might be surprised by the tasty things that are actually healthy, and the healthy things that are really tasty!
What you eat will have an impact on your studies and life in general. A healthy body and a healthy diet will provide you with more energy, better brain and memory function, and general improvements to your mental health. It's unwise to dismiss the food and snacks you eat as less worthy of your time than your work or studies because you're so busy. Rather, see your eating habits as an important basis for every other part of your life. What you eat affects just about everything; your self-image, your energy, your mind and your health, so make it a priority.
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