Best Foods to Beat Exam Stress

It’s just about that time of the semester when finals are looming, papers are piling up and there is that constant pressure to bump up your GPA.
When exam times rolls around, it’s quite common for students to react to the stress and hours of sitting and studying by eating. From potato chips to pretzels, a bag of M&Ms to a box of graham crackers, munching, stress and studying go hand in hand.
Using food as way to deal with the stress of school probably won’t land you a better grade, but it may very well land you a tighter squeeze into your skinny jeans.
To avoid packing on the pounds while you study, reach for these healthy snacks. They’ll provide your body with just the energy and nutrients it needs to ace the exam, reduce stress and still look fab on Friday night.

• Apples: With more than 7,000 apple varieties, one of nature’s most popular fruits is a nutrition all-star. For only 80 calories, 0 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber for each medium-sized apple, banish studying stress by crunching your way through a Gala, Granny Smith or Fuji.
• Raw veggies: Known by their fancy name of crudites, raw veggies are a great go-to studying snack because they are super low in calories, their bite offers a stress-relieving crunch and they are incredibly filling. Munch your way through stick after stick of raw celery, carrot, cucumber, bell peppers, jicama and broccoli and cauliflower florets. Two full cups of sweet red peppers contain just 92 calories, 0 grams of fat, 6 grams of fiber, more than 600 percent of daily vitamin C recommendation and 180 percent of your vitamin A needs.
• Green tea: Take a break from coffee and switch to antioxidant-rich green tea. Not only does green tea contain powerful antioxidants, which can reduce your risk for certain diseases and cancer, but green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been associated with reducing anxiety, boosting mood and increasing alertness. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, opt for a decaf version of green tea and get sipping.
• Kale chips: Kind of the new chip on the block, kale chips are a low calorie and nutritious alternative to salty and greasy fried potato or tortilla chips. You can find them at the health food store at a pretty steep price tag, so make your own instead and save your cash. Simply wash and pat dry a bunch of fresh kale. Tear into bits and spray with an olive oil non-stick spray. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the leaves and bake in the oven on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes, or just until the edges of the leaves are brown, not burnt. Kale is a true super food and this quick recipe is a great and yummy way to eat your greens.

Even if don’t get an A on your exam, you at least get an A+ in nutrition!