Learn the top 6 snacks for studying smarter.
Today’s blog is for those who are:
- Curious if snacking while studying will help
- Wondering what snacks to have while studying
- Want to know what snacks to avoid while studying
Let’s dive in!
Does snacking while studying help?
In short, yes!
Though it is important to remember that our performance is directly related to what we fuel our bodies with. Therefore, you should opt for nutritionally dense food that is easy to eat.
Our brain requires a lot of energy, especially when we’re encoding new information. Healthy snacks are a great way to help replenish your energy stores.
What are ‘healthy snacks’ and ‘nutritionally dense food’?
Not all foods are created equal. Some are processed, refined, and stuffed with additives. This food tends to come in a colourful plastic wrapper. Think: cookies, chocolate bars, candies etc. These are foods to stay away from when we want our brain to work at maximum capacity.
Healthy snacks are foods that are simpler in ingredients and provide a good balance of nutrition to our bodies. They have fewer ingredients and are often packaged simply. These foods are fantastic because they are rich in fiber, high in healthy fats, and packed with protein.
Snacks for Studying
- Almonds
Almonds are great because they are packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats which makes them easy for the body to use as fuel. Because they are low in sugar, they will also keep you feeling satisfied longer. No more sugar crashes!
- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is great for concentration, but only in small doses. Too much, and it will spike your sugars and cause you to crash. Stick to 1-2 squares and you’ll reap the benefits of its’ antioxidants.
- Nut butter + Apples
The sweet and salty combo is a favourite! The apple is high in fiber and vitamins while the nut butter is packed with healthy fats; together, they help balance your blood sugars and keep your brain fueled and satisfied.
- Veggies + Hummus
Another favourite for the Bettering Youth students! Veggies and hummus are a great snack if you want something a bit crunchy and more filling. The vegetables are refreshing and full of water and vitamins and the hummus is packed with protein and flavour. This combo will keep you going for the entirety of your study session.
- Frozen Grapes
For our students who have more of a sweet tooth, we recommend putting some grapes in the freezer (in a bag) for a few hours and eating them while studying. They’re sweet, refreshing, and still a low glycemic index fruit so you won’t get the nasty sugar crash.
- Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is full of protein and serves as a great base to add in some tasty mixins. Take a peek below at the infamous Wonder Whip recipes.
Wonder Whip
What is a Wonder Whip
A wonder whip is a protein-packed snack that serves as a good study snack. These delicious bowls are taking the internet by storm as they’re flavourful, satisfying, and versatile. Using protein-packed greek yogurt as the base, Wonder Whips are an incredible way to savour the sweet without going off the deep end.
Blueberry Wonder Whip
Serves: 1
Prep time: 4 minutes
Ingredients in Blueberry Wonder Whip:
3/4C Greek Yogurt 0% – look for high protein content +20g
1/4 C frozen blueberries (crushed with a fork),
1 teaspoon of sweetener of your choice (optional)
Method:
Combine all ingredients and whip together with an electric mixer for a mousse texture
Or mix together with a fork
Taste and adjust the sweetener to your preferences (I used stevia but use your preferred sweetener).
Chocolate Peanut Butter Wonder Whip
Serves: 1
Prep time: 4 minutes
Ingredients in Chocolate Peanut Butter Wonder Whip:
3/4C Greek Yogurt 0% – look for high protein content +20g
2 tbsp powdered peanut butter (because it’s easier to mix)
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp sweetener of your choice (optional)
Method:
Combine all ingredients and whip together with an electric mixer for a mousse texture
Or mix together with a fork
Taste and adjust the sweetener to your preferences.
What Snacks to Avoid While Studying
As mentioned, not all food is created equal.
Foods to stay away from while studying are ones that will spike your insulin levels, leave your body feeling dehydrated, and cause you to be hungry within minutes.
The best way to support our brain in the studying process is to help keep our sugars regulated. This will maximize your energy levels and help your concentration.
Just think: if I open this snack, will it make a lot of noise to open and get access to? If so – it’s likely not a suggested study snack.
Tips for Stress-Free Exam Season
Sarahlynn is the head tutor of Bettering Youth, a wellbeing coach, and a personal trainer. She shares her top tips for supporting students’ wellbeing in the free parents’ community that can be found here. Be sure to join for more resources and activities.