Midterm munchies
How to expand your mind — and not your ass — while studying.
By Jennifer Voldness, Jayplaywriter
"Snickersl" says Hannah Houlik, Wichita senior, her mouth watering
"No, Phish Food ice Cream!" Retorts Emily Keating, Manhattan senior, offering her opinion on the best Ben and Jerry's treat when she's cramming for a test. Seven questions later, and a whole new topic on the table, Houlik randomly blurs out, "No, rice and Shrimp Rangoon; that's what I crave when I'm freaking out about a test." Clearly the topic of study snacks has been weighing on her mind.
We're all guilty of reaching for the Doritos, jellybeans and soda to keep us energized to pull an all-nighter. Although we crave foods like ice cream and cheeseburgers when we're at our stress limit, they're not the best brain food. These yummy comfort foods can actually be adding to our stress level. Don't feel guilty if you've eaten a container of Pringles in one sitting, though. Our bodies are predisposed to crave sugary, fatty foods when we're under chronic stress, according to a study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco.
We all produce a hormone called cortisol when we're under pressure or in a dangerous situation. When this hormone is produced in abundance, we begin to have those hunger pangs attracting us to cupcakes and Big Macs. A study conducted at the University of California, Irvine found that people under stress are seven times more likely to reach for sweets and fats over healthier options when they're under strain.
David Niven, author of 100 Simple Secrets of Healthy People, says that we choose junk foods in search of sustenance and relief, but in reality, this relief is only temporary. Because stress can raise blood sugar levels on its own, it's important to lower our sugar intake during our most stressful periods.
Obviously most of us aren't going to
reach for a grapefruit or a squash to alleviate our midnight munchies, but there are realistic options for the pizza-addicted college student. Ann Chapman, coordinator of nutrition services at Watkins Memorial Health Center, says instead of grabbing a burger, opt for lean meats such as turkey or grilled chicken. These will keep your energy levels up longer than fattier red meats, and will make you stay fuller longer. If you're about to reach for a bag of chips, make some popcorn instead, the less fat, the better. When the candy and ice cream cravings are tempting you, get some sugar-free or low-sugar versions of your favorite treat. Chapman says high
sugar foods like candy are counter productive. "They give you a quick rise in sugar, but then you just crash," she says. Although you may think you're sacrificing flavor for health, you may be surprised how tasty these options can be.
It's important to keep in mind that it's impossible to get rid of stress altogether, Niven says, but there are steps we can take to lessen the strain. Who knows? After a long hard week of studying with your new healthy snacks, maybe you'll never want a cheeseburger again. On the other hand, the moment you finish your exam, you may be driving full speed to the nearest McDonald's — and that's OK, too.
What's Yo Mamma Cookin'?
Miss sleeping until noon, playing Tiger Woods on PlayStation for nine hours and eating what Mommy and Daddy cook? Well, one out of three ain't bad right? Here's a recipe for some good home cookin', served up right here in Lawrence.
Cereal Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of Karo White
Syrup
1 cup of peanut butter
5 cups of Special K cereal a package of milk chocolate chips Package of butterscotch chips
Directions:
Directions:
1) Mix sugar and syrup,
bring to a boil
2) Take off the heat, stir in peanut butter
3) Mix into the cereal
4) Put into 9 X 13 pan
5) Melt chips in microwave for 2 minutes
6) Spread melted chips over cereal
7) Cool and cut in bars,
keep tightly covered
— Stephen Shupe
Bambino's
Food Type: Italian
Price Range: $8 to$ 16
Attire Requirement: None. Wear what you please.
Date-worthiness: About an eight on a scale of one to ten. It's quiet and quaint, definitely a great mood-setter. Take your honey here before or after a movie.
Booze Availability: Great. No need for awkward conversations here. Bambino's offers a range of drinks from wine to schooner beers and daquiris.
Seating: Sit on the patio and enjoy the night air or find a romantic corner inside.
Jennifer Voldness
Restaurant stat-card
9.30.04 Jayplay
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