Finals Guide
Monday, May 13,2013
Page 13
BRAIN FOOD
Healthy food vital for success
KELSEY BARRETT
kbarrett@kansan.com
College students seem to be pressed for time year-round, and adding final exams, projects and essays only pushes their limits. The last few weeks of the semester tend to be demanding on students regarding health and mental performance. Many students resort to junk food or fast food for its convenience, but what they might not consider is how it could affect their performance in the classroom.
According to Student Health 101, it is important to avoid foods containing saturated fat, processed flours, preservatives and artificial sugars and coloring. Your body designates more energy into breaking down these substances, leaving less energy for brain function. Less energy for brain function means lower performance on final exams. They also recommend avoiding prepared foods because they only provide empty calories and cause a spike in blood sugar, followed by the infamous crash.
Caffeine is another resource many students resort to in order to get their energy fix. It is a stimulant found in many soft drinks, coffee and energy drinks. However, it is only a temporary fix. According to Student Health 101, fatigue can only truly be fixed by getting more sleep. Caffeine can be addictive, dehydrate the body and cause a dangerous elevation in heart rate and blood pressure. Dark chocolate can be used as a substitute, as it helps raise energy while having a lower fat content than other chocolates, the site says.
Eating a well-balanced breakfast before an
Student Health 101 encourages students to focus on consuming energizing foods like fruits, vegetables and meals prepared at home. When going out to eat or picking up fast food essential vitamins and minerals are lost. A lack of those nutrients can cause a significant change in mood, which could ultimately affect study patterns. The key to getting the most out of food is to gravitate towards fresh, unprocessed and simply prepared meals, according to the site.
exam, or any day, is almost just as important as the act of studying. Lani Banner, a nutritional health coach with Natural Grocers, said. Missing morning meals reduces students' ability to learn and concentrate effectively. A quality breakfast should include a protein, a healthy fat and several servings of fruits and vegetables, Banner said. Waking up earlier, providing options, and preparing meals or snacks ahead of time are all habits that can help ensure a valuable start to the day, Banner said.
Student Health 101 provides some tips to help students stay on track during hectic times. The main thing is to set aside time to plan out meals and prepare some in advance. Keep longlasting items on hand like pasta and rice. It also helps to get your friends involved. To alleviate some of the time consumption of cooking, assign someone to make dinner each night and share among friends.
For further information and tips to stay healthy to increase your performance during finals week and other busy times, subscribe to the Student Health 101 newsletter by providing your email at http://readsh101.com/. You can also chat with a health coach online for free through the Natural Grocers website: http://www.naturalgrocers.com/nutrition/ask-a-question.
Edited by Ashleigh Tidwell
ERIN BREMER/KANSAN
Students are opting for nutritional meals including fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily dining routines. Maintaining a healthy diet on campus is tough, but many dining areas provide healthy meal options.