Balancing academics with work, activities and a social life can be difficult to manage, especially with the continuous onslaught of exams and papers coupled with life’s ups and downs. Undoubtedly, most students succumb to getting little to no sleep when trying to keep up with college life. Our hectic schedules sometimes mean ordering greasy fast food when we’re up at night, which definitely isn’t great for our health and can lead to sluggishness. To combat that tired feeling and to avoid coffee/energy drinks, here are 10 foods and drinks to get energized and ready to take on the challenges of any day while boosting your mental and physical health.
1. Spinach: It’s no wonder Popeye the Sailorman would drown a can of spinach to gain energy before conquering Bluto. This leafy green is high in iron, which delivers energy to your body. If eating it alone doesn’t seem appealing to you, mix it in a salad. To improve iron absorption in your body, eat or drink Vitamin-C-rich foods and drinks like orange juice.
2. Broccoli: Although most people tend to turn away from this vegetable, like spinach, broccoli is also iron-rich. Try plain, steamed broccoli or one that’s been cooked with a flavorful garnish.
3. Red Bell Peppers: About 380% of our daily-recommended vitamin C is found in one full red bell pepper. Vitamin C helps our bodies heal faster, allowing us to feel less tired.
4. Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries have antioxidants that help boost your brain’s thought process and improve cognition. Mix these berries together and eat them alone, add whip cream or just throw them over your favorite yogurt for a snack.
5. Apples: Remember the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Apples are a great source of vitamins and minerals that keep the body alert and energized. This fruit also has fructose, which our body processes for energy.
6. Bananas: These are a great source of potassium, which helps maintain regular blood pressure and heart function in the body.
7. Lemon Water: Not only does lemon in your water provide you with energy because of the immune-boosting Vitamin C, but it also adds flavor to your water and serves as a healthy alternative to soda. Aside from getting energy, lemon water also helps clear skin through cleansing the toxins in our body.
8. Coconut Water: Coconut water is also full of electrolytes, such as potassium, and has detoxifying properties like lemon water that assist in naturally rehydrating your body.
9. Dark Chocolate: A 2007 study by experts at the University of Nottingham found that eating chocolate helps improve cognitive skills. Dark chocolate has high concentrations of flavanols, which increase blood flow to key areas of the brain for a few hours.
10. Tea: Whether it’s black or green, tea contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine. Combined together, these components help you boost your alertness.
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