What to eat when procrastination sets in!

When students are studying, procrastination may kick in and tell your brain your hungry. It’s a proven fact that engaging in strenuous mental activity increases hunger and calorie intake. Most people turn to unhealthy snacks such as chocolate and lollies to get the instant sugar buzz, however, these snacks decrease concentration at a rapid rate after the 20-minute buzz. Here is a list of snacks that can assist in improving brain power of which are easily accessible and easy on the wallet. 

Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, bananas and oranges are all cheap fruits that can be purchased at the local supermarket. (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA). These fruits contain multiple vitamins and carbs that assist with brainpower. Although these fruits can contain high amounts of sugar, they are balanced out with the fiber, calcium, potassium and protein that they provide.

Blueberries (Super food) are one of the best options to consume while studying. They are a little more expensive in terms of fruit (approximately $5-$8 per punnet depending on the season) However they are full of antioxidants as well as increasing learning capacity. 

Carrots are also a good option to snack on as you can combine it with other things to increase the variety of flavour. A good mix is Carrot and Hummus. Hummus is cheap ($4 per tub) and can be added to biscuits, celery, carrot and even corn chips. 

Nuts are common and beneficial snacks to eat as there are so many different types, each containing their own health benefits. The best ones for study are: Almonds and Peanuts. To create a variation of flavour, A Trail mix is also a good option as you can combine these nuts with dried fruit in a small bag and eat it on the go!

Some others good snacks include: Eggs, Dark Chocolate, Avocado, Peanut butter, Pretzels and Greek Yoghurt.

All of these foods can be bought from Coles, Woolworths, IGA, ALDI or a local fruit shop.

Why We Shouldn’t Cut Corners On Health

Although the focus of MQ Student Living is about living well without spending $$$ for those on a budget, I am writing this to highlight how highly I discourage cutting corners on caring for mind and body. In fact, I highly ENCOURAGE making your health the number one thing to focus your energies on whenever and wherever possible, as much as you are able. And I say this no matter your age or current level of physical or mental wellness. 

For healthy young people health care is all about preparing for the future. It’s about working to improve your health now so that you aren't as affected by current bad habits, the negative aspects of ageing and possible future illnesses down the line. 

Setting up optimal health and good habits now could really improve your life later on. And because nothing can be enjoyed to its fullest unless we are healthy enough to be able to do so.

If you can, imagine yourself as the tree in this picture. 

Think of each leaf as a symbol of the things we want in life — success, material possessions, events and experiences, relationships. The branches are the work we put into achieving those things — study, career, efforts to socialise. The trunk is everything that makes you the person who strives for those strong branches and green leaves — your personality, your passions, who you have grown to be. 

What makes all of this possible, makes you able to get up everyday, and holds the spark of energy that drives you are the roots of the tree — your health.