The beast approaches us all…we all know it’s coming…what will be your final meal? Nights filled with tears and lunches full of cramming: FINALS SEASON has led many students to question if it would be their last test or their final week. What can you eat to keep your brain with a shred of sanity while you labor over papers?
Caffeine is the largest fuel for students and workers alike. The downside is that when it comes to energy drinks and coffee, they are very detrimental to your teeth, gut, and sleep schedule. Sophia Leder (‘28) testified on the time they “Drank a whole cup of coffee once and cried for two days.” This was consistent with Sanika Kabbur’s (‘27) testimony of when they were “Cramming for an all-nighter for FBLA, drinking a Red Bull and feeling disgusting afterward.”
But instead of coffee or energy drinks, a good alternative to get that caffeine without a crash and health risks is tea! While providing warm comfort, it gives an energy boost without preservatives and acids.
Although the taste isn’t for everyone, this leads us to the next best thing, kombucha! Kombucha is a fermented fizzy drink that tastes sweet and is packed with antioxidants and probiotics. One of my personal favorite brands is Health-Ade because it doesn’t have an alcoholic aftertaste. It’s not a very popular drink, but it’s great for students who are neglecting their health with cup noodles in hand, because it will fill in those nutritional needs for their weakened immune systems.
Focusing on meals, eggs are little ovals of portable protein. Any form—scrambled, boiled, eaten—paired with carbs—rice, noodles, whole grain bread—is essential to actually thinking. You indeed are what you eat, as “Carbohydrates break down into glucose, which is the preferred energy source for the brain, and in turn, glucose supports the brain’s overall functioning,” according to Sarah Craig Haverland and Ellen Jones. This is also applied to berries and nuts, which carry fatty acids that support your neural function. Dr Alex Richardson writes in a BBC article that, on a larger scale, “some studies say [salmon] can improve concentration, thanks to their ‘long-chain Omega-3s.’”
In general, a balanced diet will support you in a successful last stretch for your grades. However, avoiding sugar just isn’t expected from teens when it’s so cheap, readily available, and honestly delicious. But pairing it with a glass of water or milk that’s full of calcium will at least dilute the impending sugar crash. Best of luck with your exams!
