Choosing Healthy Foods

Keep in mind that during finals, it is so very important to get enough sleep, fit in some form of physical activity, and make healthy food choices most of the time. Many people find that when they are stressed they eat more than planned. Well there might be a reason for that- based on a study from the University of Michigan- when levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) increase, people tend to eat more snack foods (specifically carbohydrate based foods). Something to consider: A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which can help you to be more efficient and can actually result in you completing your work in less time. Take breaks when you think you need them Too much stress can disrupt your efforts of being organized. Take a break when you think you need one! Even if it is taking a 10-minute walk or making a quick phone call to a friend. Avoid too much caffeine Caffeine may give you a quick boost- but don’t overdo it! If you drink too many caffeinated beverages...

The end of the semester is approaching.  Which means more time studying and the need for quick food options.  Here are some easy convenient meal and snack ideas to ensure you are continuing to eat healthy while you finish out the semester. Some of these can be made in your dorm room- so there is no need for a full kitchen.  All you need is a refrigerator and maybe a microwave!  Meal and Snack Ideas Grains : Great source of B vitamins, fiber and important minerals (iron, magnesium..) Hot oatmeal – Microwave ½ c. oats, 2/3 c. water (or with milk to add protein, calcium and vitamin D) for 2 minutes. Top with granola and some blueberries or raisins. You can also add a scoop of Greek Yogurt for added protein.  Overnight oats – Mix oats, milk, fruit, chia seeds and nut butter. Let sit overnight. Grab & go in the morning. Whole grain bread – Make sandwiches with sliced turkey or tuna salad or toast (try topped with peanut butter & banana). Whole grain wraps/pit...

It is that time of year again – finals week. Now that you are right in the middle of final exams, papers, and projects, keep in mind that during this time it is even more important than usual to get enough sleep, stay physically active, and make healthy food choices. Many people find that when they are stressed they eat more than planned. In 2010, a study from the University of Michigan found that when levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) increased – even in healthy, non-stressed adults – they tended to eat more snack foods. Here are five tips to keep you healthy as you head into winter break! Take breaks when you think you need them Too much stress can disrupt your efforts of being organized. Take a break when you think you need one! Even if it is as simple as taking a 10-minute walk or making a quick phone call to a friend any little break will help to reset your brain and body. Avoid too much caffeine Caffeine may give you a quick boost but don't overdo it! If you dri...

It's the week of finals and suddenly there's so much to do and not enough time to do it. With projects, papers, studying, all-nighters, and early wake-ups, indulging in your favorite (and maybe not so good for you) foods seems like the perfect way to relieve some of that finals stress. When we turn to food to relive stress, it tends to be food that comforts us and makes us feel good, which a lot of times is a carton of ice cream, a slice of pizza, or your favorite piece (or bag) of candy. The truth is, finals may not only be a stressful time of the semester but a time where weight gain occurs in stressed out students. The combination of a large amount of sedentary time studying and test taking, little to no exercise, and stressful or late-night eating is a recipe for weight gain. Another truth is that we may not even recognize that we are in fact stress eating due to being completely preoccupied. So how do we avoid this stress eating before it takes place? Here are four tips to...

The semester is coming to a close which can mean only one thing: finals. While your time may be consumed by reading, studying, reviewing and memorizing it is important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Believe it or not, there are some foods that have been proven to be essential for proper brain function, improve learning and motor skills, contribute to healthy blood flow, enhance memory and focus, and overall maintain a healthy brain. Though food has typically been seen as a mean to provide us with the energy and material we need to maintain our body and its functions, over the last decade research has shown evidence that dietary intake has an influence on the mechanisms that maintain mental function (Gomez-Pinilla, 2008) . Here are some major brain foods to fuel your mind this finals season. Antioxidants Blueberries, pomegranate and pomegranate juice, tea, dark chocolate, citrus fruits and cranberries to name a few antioxidant power houses. Antioxidants aid in protecting the...