It's crunch time UC San Diego... and Brittany Meyer, one of the campus MyPlate Ambassadors, has some excellent advice on how to prepare yourself nutritionally to succeed during fiuals. Be sure to check out all of the great suggestions at your neighborhood Market and Dining Restaurant!
How do you final?
By: Brittany Meyer
The days leading up to finals week is filled with stress,
anxiety, and more stress. We are cramming as much information as possible into
our incredible brains--infact, we may be
on the verge of overflow! At times like these we tend to neglect the
healthy habits we have developed all quarter and fall back to quick, easy and
accessible (but not always nutritious) food.
It is during these long study hours that our habits are
tested, and we find that making healthy decisions will have the greatest pay
off.
Healthy snacks are a quick and easy way to ward off fatigue
and allow your body to perform at its best. Not only does nutritious food
provide your body with essential vitamins and nutrients, but feeling so good
will help you bounce back quick from finals!
Maintaining a habit is always easier than starting one.
To aid you in your finals week healthy habits here are a few
suggestions for Study Time Snacks:
1.
Pre- cut fresh fruits and veggies
At the beginning of your week pre-
cut or buy pre- cut vegetables and fruit as a go to during the week. You can
event load up a bowl at your local dining hall salad bar to keep for snacks
later.
The Markets have a wide variety of pre cut fruits available for you to pick up in the refrigerated section! Here's a sample of the Market to Go precut fruit that's easy and convenient to pick up on your way to class.
2.
Nuts or seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of
healthy fats and protein that will be sure to keep you energy levels up all
night long. Stock up on bags to keep for the week.
Walnuts are a great choice they a filled
with heart healthy omega- 3 fatty acids and doesn’t hurt that they even look
like a brain! All of the Markets stock this delicious Njoy Oatmeal or Emerald Trail Mix that are packed with walnuts to add a nice texture to your breakfast on the run!
3.
Easy protein sources
Greek Yogurt, hard boiled eggs,
mini turkey meatloaf muffins, protein pancakes or muffins
Plain Greek Yogurt is sold at college
markets along with hard boiled eggs.
Or you can make your own at the beginning
of the week.
Meal prep a large batch of hard boiled
eggs, or mini meat loafs (made in a muffin tin) to have easy, accessible and
travel friendly snacks for the week.
All Markets carry this convenient Grab & Go Protein Pack that's loaded with quick protein sources.
4.
Pre- make smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get
fruits and veggies into your daily diet.
Take freezer bags and fill them
with your favorite fruits and add some leafy greens in there such as spinach
(you won’t even notice it is there). Keep it in the freezer till you are ready,
dump in the blender with a liquid of choice and blend away for a quick and easy
snack or breakfast.
Roots always has fresh fruit and
veggie smoothies to grab between classes to fuel your mind (and your body)!
Preparation is key for making healthy choices through the
year and especially during finals time. Take advantage of food prepared in your
local dining halls and markets to prepare you for finals week.
Keep these tips in
mind and study away for the big day!
