The Energy of Food & You

Many cultures believe that the energy of the food we eat affect our spirit. This idea is rooted in the belief that everything, including food, has an energy field. Paying attention to the energy of the food can be a helpful mindfulness practice. By taking the time to appreciate the food we eat and the energy it brings us, we can cultivate a deeper connection to our bodies and the world around us.

When it comes to studying for important exams like the SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, NCLEX, Board Exams, etc., it's important to prioritize your health and well-being. One way to do this is by maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some tips for eating well while studying:

Focus on whole foods

Instead of relying on processed snacks and meals, try to eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods will provide your body with the nutrients and energy it needs to power through long study sessions. I enjoy snacking on cherries, blueberries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and even toast with extra-virgin olive oil and dried herbs.

Stay hydrated

It's easy to forget to drink enough water when you're focused on studying, but staying hydrated is crucial for both your physical and mental health. Keep a water bottle nearby and aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day (or equivalent to hydrate your body weight) and don’t forget the electrolytes.

Avoid sugar and caffeine crashes

While it may be tempting to rely on sugary snacks and caffeinated beverages to power through long study sessions, these can actually do more harm than good. Instead, focus on healthy drinks like green tea for caffeine and antioxidants as well as eating balanced meals, and snacks, that will provide sustained energy.

Plan ahead

To avoid reaching for unhealthy snacks out of convenience, plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Prep some healthy snacks like cut-up fruits and vegetables or homemade trail mix, and make sure you have healthy meal options on hand. Before a lengthy study session, I like to early morning prep small finger fruits and foods that I can easily pickup and pop in my mouth throughout the day while I am reading a passage or watching a content review video.

Listen to your body

Finally, it's important to listen to your body and give it what it needs. If you're feeling hungry or tired, take a break and nourish yourself with a healthy snack or meal. And don't forget to take breaks throughout the day to stretch, move your body, and give your brain a rest. I often do not realize when my eyes or my brain is fatigued until the nerves in my eyes start to twitch. I keep my computer display on the warmest setting so that blue light is not an issue but after several hours, my eyes, and my brain, need a break, and yours will too.

So show yourself some love and remember that this is not a sprint to the finish line, it is a journey. And the only way to make it to the finish line is to stay healthy. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you'll be better equipped to tackle your studies and ultimately perform your best on exam day.

Good Luck My Friends!

Angela L. Montanez