Studying is essential to anyone going through medical school, rotations, or residency. While it’s not the most entertaining thing, studying can be made easier with the right tools. A good study space, the right resources, and believe it or not, a full stomach. A grumbling stomach can distract from precious studying time and lead to unhealthy choices. It is important to realize that with the right nutrients, you can study not only longer, but better too! So put down that bag of chips and say goodbye to hangry studying with these 5 quick and easy brain booster snacks!
Oatmeal Energy Bites
What you’ll need:
1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ almond butter (or sub peanut butter), ⅓ cup raw honey, ¼ ground flaxseed
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Next, roll out teaspoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Freeze for one hour and enjoy! These energy bites are the perfect, healthy snack when you are feeling drained. You can store leftovers in a ziplock in your freezer or fridge! Yum!
Roasted Chickpeas
These are a perfect substitute for chips when you are craving something crunchy and are high in protein to keep you fuller, longer. Enjoy them plain or tossed in different spices to mix it up!
What you’ll need:
1 can chickpeas, 2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp olive oil
Start by tossing the chickpeas in salt and olive oil, place on a baking sheet, and roast at 450 degrees for 20 min. Now toss with…
Spiced Maple: 1 tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp chili powder, ¼ cup maple syrup
Turmeric & Lime: ½ tsp ginger, 2 tsp turmeric, juice from 1 lime
Cinnamon sugar: 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ cup sugar
Parmesan: 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp truffle oil
Ranch: ½ tsp dry thyme, 1 tsp minced onion, 1 tsp dry dill, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp pepper
Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberries
If you are craving something a little sweeter, try these frozen yogurt blueberries that are packed with fiber and protein for a fool-proof study snack!
What you’ll need:
1 container of fresh blueberries, 1 container of nonfat blueberry Greek yogurt (or try honey, vanilla, or strawberry for other tasty treats)
Wash your blueberries and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a toothpick and dip each blueberry in the yogurt, fully coating it, and place on a baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve reached your desired amount. Freeze for an hour and enjoy!
Avocado Toast
Avocados are high in folate–which helps with cognitive function, memory, and brain health–making them a healthy and delicious brain booster snack!
What you’ll need:
1 ripe avocado, 2 slices of whole wheat bread, juice of ½ lemon, a pinch of salt, cayenne pepper, and chili flakes, 1 tbsp olive oil
Start by popping your bread in the toaster. Scoop your avocado into a bowl and add half the lemon and olive oil, mashing together with a fork until smooth. Add all the spices and mix them together. Spread your mixture onto the toast and top with the remaining lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and enjoy. Mix it up by adding a fried egg on top or fresh strawberries for a refreshing twist!
All-day Energizer Smoothie
If you know you are going to be studying all day, this smoothie is for you. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein, you can’t go wrong with this tasty and healthy snack!
What you’ll need:
½ mango, ½ banana, ½ cup blueberries, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp greek yogurt, ice cubes
Throw all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy at the beginning of the day for all-day energy or in the afternoon to beat that mid-day slump!
