Although it’s always best to avoid studying late at night, it’s sometimes impossible to find time for a study session earlier in the day, especially if you have classes, extracurriculars, and engagements with friends. When you do find yourself in a late-night study session, you need to keep up your energy levels to maintain your focus. Since your brain needs glucose to function, this means snacks high in carbohydrates are ideal. To keep things healthy, consider preparing some of the following.
- Whole Grain-Heavy Snacks
The healthiest carbs tend to be whole grains. These contain the bran, endosperm, and germ of the cereal, meaning you’ll receive more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than you would from refined grains. They also release glucose more slowly, which avoids you experiencing a sharp boost of energy followed by a crash that leaves you feeling tired.
For late-night snacks, you may like to pair whole grains with fruit, vegetables, and proteins to ensure you feel full. Top options include wholewheat pita chips with hummus, quinoa salad, low-sugar cereal, and popcorn (without any additives or just lightly salted). - Tomato-Based Snacks
You should be including plenty of tomato in your diet to increase your intake of the antioxidant lycopene, which may offer protection against free radical cell damage. Make a salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, and spinach, put some tomato on toast with avocado, or pair the tomato with other vegetables to eat with some whole grain pita. - Berries
Berries are important for maintaining gut health and providing you with many of the nutrients you need on a daily basis. Use them to top your cereal, eat them with plain yogurt, put them in a smoothie, or pair them with cottage cheese. - Snacks with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
If you’re having a late-night study session because you used the afternoon to play sports, some great snacks to ensure you feel full and help your muscles recover are those high in omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish are a top source, particularly salmon or trout. Make yourself a salad with canned fish and vegetables like soybeans, red onion, and carrot. - Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals. Nuts also have high vitamin E content (which may have a role in cognition), whereas some seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids, especially flaxseed, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Top ways to eat them in late-night snacks include with plain Greek yogurt, as a topping for a salad, or in trail mix.
Another option is to prepare a chia seed pudding. To do this, mix one cup of the liquid of your choice (water, juice, or any type of milk will work) with a third of a cup of chia seeds. After leaving the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour, add toppings like fresh or dried fruit, coconut, cocoa powder, or honey.
You’ll need space to store all the ingredients for these snacks and somewhere to prepare them. This means having your own kitchen. If you’re still living on campus, your next step should be to search for rooms for rent. Peterborough students need look no further than Severn Court. Our six-bedroom units come with a stove, full-size fridge, dining table, and chairs. Take a virtual tour to check out the apartments and onsite amenities for yourself.
