10 healthy study snacks to help you stay focused

Posted on 16/03/2016 by Jess O'Connor

For many people, one of the hardest things about studying from home is resisting the call of the kitchen. Do you ever find yourself snacking out of boredom, procrastination or habit? I don’t know about you, but every time I have to learn a difficult topic, I somehow find myself peering into the fridge instead.

Or maybe you have the opposite problem. Perhaps you get so absorbed in your studies that you forget to eat proper meals and end up snacking on whatever’s easiest to prepare – lollies, potato chips, two-minute noodles. This can negatively impact your study, as you won’t be providing the brain with enough fuel to absorb new information.

What you eat throughout the day can have a huge impact on your overall energy levels and your ability to concentrate on studying. To help you make better food decisions (and avoid running to the kitchen every few minutes out of boredom), here’s a list of 10 healthy snack ideas. Give these a try and see how you feel.

1. Carrot sticks and hummus

Fresh, fast and easy to prepare – not to mention delicious – this is a healthy filling snack that will keep ‘hanger’ away.

2. Fruit

An obvious yet underrated choice. Fruit requires minimal preparation and is the perfect thing to eat on-the-go.

3. Nuts

A handful of almonds, cashews or peanuts can be just enough to tide you over between meals. Just watch your portion sizes, as nuts have a high fat content.

4. Yoghurt

Packed with protein, a pot of natural yoghurt is the ideal thing to keep in the fridge for morning or afternoon tea.

5. Brown rice crackers

A healthy alternative to potato chips, these crackers are best enjoyed with sliced tomato or avocado.

6. Popcorn

Believe it or not, without oodles of butter and salt, popcorn is actually a light, healthy snack. Keep a bowl of popped goodness on hand for days when you’re feeling particularly peckish.

7. Muesli bars

Store-bought muesli bars are often full of sugar (you might as well just eat chocolate), but we can’t deny that they are very convenient. Look for low sugar options at the supermarket, or, if you’re feeling really inspired, make your own!

8. Cheese

A few slices of cheese can do much to satiate cravings for fatty foods such as hot chips. Spread a little peanut butter on a slice of cheese for a taste sensation!

9. Milky coffee

Although technically not food, a milky coffee can be filling, not to mention energising. Try this next time you are feeling tired mid-afternoon.

10. Dark chocolate

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to be healthy, chocolate is the only snack that will do. If you are a self-confessed chocoholic, choose brands that have at least 70% cocoa content. And remember – portion control!

Do you have any go-to study snacks to help you stay focused at home? Share your favourites in the comments below.

Posted in Inspiration and motivation, Study From Home Tips | Tagged healthy eating, study tips |