Too … tired …. to keep … studying! My brain is currently as fried as the refried beans they serve at DLG, but unfortunately that’s not exactly going to stop my professors from giving midterms this Friday. Feeling like me? Feeling worse than me? Attempting to procrastinate by reading the Nexus because your brain seriously can’t handle looking at your textbook anymore? Fear no more! Just survive to the end of this article and I’ll tell you some of the best foods that’ll keep you awake, recharge your brain and improve your memory enough to actually recall what your professor said in time for midterms.
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Fish
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How it helps:
Fish is packed to the brim with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help us focus and prevents the loss of brain cell receptors that are related to memory.
Where to get it this week:
- Carrillo Thursday Lunch – Herb Marinated Swai
- Ortega Friday Lunch – Fish Tacos
- Portola Friday Dinner – Grilled Ono Fish
- Carrillo Friday Dinner – Tilapia with Red Curry Sauce
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Nuts
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How they help:
Nuts contains fatty acids just like fish. They’re also high in iron, which increases attention and memory function, as well unsaturated fat, which is an awesome source of energy.
Where to get them this week:
- Portola Thursday Breakfast – Crunchy Fruit Salad (w/nuts)
- Carrillo Thursday Lunch – Thai Tom Ka Soup W/tofu (w/nuts)
- Portola Thursday Dinner – Asian Chicken And Orzo Salad (w/nuts)
- Carrillo Friday Lunch – Butterscotch Bar (w/nuts)
- DLG Friday Lunch – Mediterranean Couscous Salad (w/nuts)
- Ortega Friday Lunch – Carrot Cake Cupcake (w/nuts)
- Carrillo Friday Dinner – Vegetable Pad Thai (w/nuts)
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Whole Grains
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How they help:
Despite their bad rap, carbs actually provide you a good energy boost. Whole grain foods are filled with fiber which slows digestion and assists the release of sugars into the bloodstream for longer lasting energy.
Where to get them this week:
- Carrillo Friday Lunch – Steamed Vegetables and Brown Rice
- DLG Friday Lunch – Whole Wheat Roll
- Ortega Friday Lunch – Whole Wheat Tortillas
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Fruit, specifically apples and berries
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How it helps:
Apple peels and many berries are packed with antioxidants that are a great source of energy. Antioxidants improve memory function and enhance neural activity because they assist with blood flow to the brain.
Where to get it this week:
- Portola Friday Breakfast – Whole Wheat Strawberry Pancake
- Carrillo Saturday Brunch – Blueberry Pancakes
- DLG Sunday Dinner – Hot Spiced Apples
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Cruciferous Vegetables
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Note: Yeah I didn’t know that word either. It’s ok, it’s a fancy name for the family of broccoli, bok choy, cabbage and other similar veggies.
How they help:
Best when eaten raw, these vegetables have been shown to positively affect memory retention.
Where to get them this week:
- DLG Thursday Lunch – Steamed Cauliflower And Broccoli
- Portola Thursday Dinner – Brussel Sprouts
- Ortega Thursday Dinner – Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Ortega Friday Dinner – Fresh Broccoli Spears
- DLG Saturday Dinner – Broccoli And Cauliflower Quesadilla
- DLG Sunday Dinner – Fresh Carrot & Broccoli Mix
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Dark Chocolate
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How it helps:
Chocolate increases alertness and blood flow to the brain. It lowers stress levels, fights fatigue and let’s get real, it just makes you feel awesome because you love chocolate anyway. But be warned, Kit-Kats and Snickers and their other sugary companions won’t provide much benefit since all of the healthy antioxidants are wiped out in the process of candification.
Where to get it this week:
- Portola Thursday Breakfast – Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin
- Portola Friday Lunch – Chocolate Mousse Pie
- Carrillo Friday Lunch – Devil’s Food Cupcake with Chocolate
- The I.V. Food Co-op sells a wide selection of organic dark chocolate including Equal Exchange, Theo and Green & Black.
