When you’re deep into a study session, hunger can quickly become a distraction and make it more difficult to stay focused. With quick, easy-to-make snacks, you can keep your energy levels up and continue writing your essays and studying for your exams. Keeping snacks affordable also avoids breaking the bank.
Why Snacks Can Help You Stay Focused While Studying
Your brain needs energy to focus. If you’ve ever tried to get work done while feeling hungry, you probably felt sluggish and uncomfortable. By eating snacks, you restore energy, making it easier to concentrate and work to your full potential.
What Makes a Good Study Snack?
A good study snack should provide enough energy to keep you feeling focused for a long period of time. While something like a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar might seem easy, they provide a quick burst of energy rather than sustained energy. Healthy study snacks that include a range of nutrients, like carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats, help you feel full for longer and maintain energy. A good study snack should also be easy to prepare, especially for students with tight schedules.
What to Eat While Studying
Cheese and Crackers
Protein and fat in cheese can help keep you feeling energised and full for longer. When paired with crackers, it creates a simple yet delicious snack. You could also add other foods to this, such as fruit, jam, or honey.
Peanut Butter on Toast
Peanut butter tastes great on toast and is also a source of protein and natural fats. Using wholegrain toast for your snack offers more minerals and nutrients compared to white bread. Why not customise this snack with extra toppings, such as banana slices? It’s best to avoid eating nut-based snacks when you’re around people in case they have allergies, but they’re perfect for when you’re studying at home.
Overnight Oats
To make overnight oats, you let oats soak in milk or water in the fridge overnight. You can add a range of ingredients to this, like fruit, maple syrup, Greek yoghurt, or chia seeds. Making them the night before saves time and is a great breakfast for those who like to study early.
Yoghurt with Fruit
Yoghurts are a gut-healthy option that also contain protein and calcium, helping you feel fuller for longer. Adding fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, is part of your five a day and provides a range of vitamins. This healthy combination can help you stay focused throughout the day.
Hummus and Carrot or Cucumber Sticks
Carrot and cucumber sticks are refreshing and crunchy. Hummus is a contrasting texture which is creamy, and the two create the perfect combination. Hummus contains natural fats, and carrots and cucumber are part of your five a day and contain a range of vitamins.
Popcorn
Popcorn is high in fibre and 100% wholegrain, making it a filling option. It comes in different flavours, giving you a range of choices to choose from. You can make it in the microwave, on the stove, or buy it ready to eat in a bag.
Nuts and Dark Chocolate
Nuts contain a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Including dark chocolate in this snack adds flavour and is full of antioxidants, which support brain function. Again, this snack is best eaten when studying at home rather than around people who may have a nut allergy.
Tips for Preparing Study Snacks Quickly
- Prepare snacks in advance: If you have time, prepare food the night before your study session. If you’re going to study on campus, having snacks ready in containers to take with you prevents you from buying food there.
- Keep snacks nearby: While it’s important to take breaks, having snacks within reach means you don’t need to spend too much time away from your desk.
- Choose simple combinations: Putting a few simple ingredients together, like blueberries and yoghurt or peanut butter and toast, is both quick and effective.
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