Food for thought: study snacks to get you through a night in the library

When you reach the point in the study session where you swear the paragraph you’ve reread about five times looks more like a foreign language than English, the library lights are actively blinding you, and people two floors away can hear your stomach rumbling, it’s time for one thing, and one thing only — a study snack.

Here are some snacks that will please your brain, stomach, and odds are — your bank account!

Carrots and hummus don’t go soggy, are easy to pack, and are filling, making them the ideal study snack. Packed with carbohydrates, fats, protein, and essential nutrients, your brain will thank you too! However, this deliciously noisy snack might annoy your neighbors, so consider moving out of the silent study section…

You really can’t go wrong with trail mix. Don’t limit yourself to the supermarket dictated medley of nuts, seeds, and fruit, but instead, make your own. Pick a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for the base, and then mix in whatever tasty treats you like best — chocolate chips, pretzels, or popcorn. Why not switch it up and make a savory and sweet variety?

Whether you stick with the classic pre-wrapped banana, or reach for prepped apple slices with peanut butter, fruit is an excellent and refreshing study snack. If you really want to maximize its brain-boosting properties, opt for berries and citrus fruits, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting memory and concentration.

For days when you’re feeling more frazzled than Bridget Jones herself, toss a couple of breakfast bars into your bag ahead of time. While you risk forgetting about them and crushing them under a semester's worth of work, at least you’ll have something to nibble on when hunger strikes 20 minutes before your 11:59pm deadline.

A late-night study session is never complete without your hot beverage of choice to keep you company. I’m partial to coffee, but for the less caffeine-dependent among us, tea or hot chocolate will do the trick (bonus points if you bring an extra tea bag to refill at the library!).

Finally, don’t forget to bring a bottle of water. Not only will dehydration leave you delirious and exhausted, but will also impact concentration, memory, and mood.

As you descend into the next round of assignments and exams, remember that to ‘study smart’ you have to ‘snack smart’!