Brain food and smart snacking

by allegra gonzalez

Hey, Bliss Bloggers! We've all been here before: you sit down to study, but are instead instantly distracted by an empty stomach. It’s hard to focus when you’re hungry, and that’s because your brain needs fuel. Your brain actually uses up to 20% of your daily calories, so if you’re not giving it the proper nutrients, your focus, memory, and productivity will not be at their peak performance. That’s where brain food comes in. These foods help improve concentration, memory, and mental clarity. They are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your brain going. In this issue, I’ll show you how choosing the right snacks and meals can boost your brainpower and help you perform your best in all your tasks.

Not all foods are equally effective when it comes to fueling your brain for studying. Certain foods have a more significant influence on brain function because of their nutrient composition. In a nutshell, these are the best foods for your brain: 

Berries and citrus fruits: They help reduce stress, improve memory, and enhance focus and concentration.

Dark chocolate: Since it contains caffeine, it can help boost focus and improve blood flow.

Nuts: Being nutrient-dense, they improve energy and focus.

Eggs: They help with mood stability and memory.

Avocado: Enhances cognition.

When choosing a snack for studying, it’s a good idea to keep brain-boosting foods in mind. Lucky for us Emersonians, the Max has all of these options and more! I get it. Eating plain, hard-boiled eggs as a snack might not sound exciting, but here’s the key: mix and match your favorite snacks with some brain-boosting foods to enhance their effects. By pairing your favorite snacks with ingredients that fuel your brain, you can stay sharp and focused while still satisfying your cravings. So, here are a few snack combos that will help you power through your study sessions!

• Chips and guacamole

• Berries and yogurt 

• Dark chocolate and oranges

• Nuts and cheese

• Hard-boiled eggs and rice cakes

• Popcorn and dark chocolate 

• Chips and mandarins

• Carrots, hummus, and dark chocolate 

At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. The Max offers so many tasty options, and by mixing nutrient-dense brain foods with your favorite snacks, you can satisfy your cravings while also fueling your brain. These smart snack choices will help you stay focused and energized through this final stretch of the semester. So, next time you're hungry, think about how you can snack smarter!

Happy snacking! See you next week.