How to eat healthy while studying

The average student is very short on time, especially around exam time.

The urge to visit fast food restaurants or skip meals may be higher during this period but keeping up healthy eating habits can help increase energy, reduce stress, and improve mental performance.

This article covers 5 easy tips for busy students.

1. Eat a good breakfast

Breakfast provides a boost of energy to kickstart your day and it’s an opportunity to consume important vitamins and minerals to improve brain health. If you’re in a rush, bagels, porridge, yogurt and fresh fruit are nutritious foods that can be prepared quickly and eaten on the go.

2. If you need to eat fast food, choose wisely

Limit high fat portions, try halving your portion of cheese on your pizza, get a side of salad instead of fries, get a regular sized main instead of a large.

3. Keep healthy snacks close by

Having a selection of healthy snacks on hand will prevent you from reaching for easy but high fat options such as crisps or sweets. Try fresh fruits, nuts, popcorn, rice cakes, raw vegetables and low fat dip.

4. Limit your alcohol intake

Alcohol intoxication can impact a person’s concentration and memory for up to 48 hours. With these effects, drinking the night before an exam can diminish performance or during study time can hinder your ability to prepare effectively. It’s also important to keep in mind that alcohol is high in calories but has no nutritional value.

5. Drink lots of water

Your body needs 2-3 litres of water a day but if you’re exercising a lot you may need more.

Research shows that staying hydrated, especially during exams, may have a physiological effect on thinking functions that leads to up to 5% improved performance and it may help to reduce anxiety.

To remind yourself, keep a bottle of water with you during study sessions.