BY ANGELINA DEVINCENZO   |   East Lake High
and
ELLEN PHAM   |   Chamberlain High

Open books are strewn across the floor, notes are piled up everywhere and your computer displays the latest practice test. Your social life comes to a screeching halt as studying consumes you through the wee hours and you consume gallons of coffee and energy drinks to keep up your energy.  •  There are plenty of other options to boost your energy during this difficult time. Here’s a list of some healthful choices to help you stay awake and ace each and every one of your exams this midterm season.

Almonds
These nutty gems are filled with nutrients including manganese, riboflavin and copper, which help to produce lots of energy. Munch on a handful of almonds while you are reading your next chapter of history, but don’t consume the whole package at once, as they are also high in fat content.

Dried fruits
Dried fruits taste like candy and are way more healthful than energy drinks. They are full of natural fructose, which gives you energy, and contain lots of fiber that digests slowly, allowing the energy to last throughout a late-night study sesh. (See apricots, below, for a specifically good jolt.) Again, watch quantities, because of the sugar.

Yogurt and fruit
This is a double energy boost. Both teem with nutrients that boost your energy. Grab your favorite yogurt, add berries or a sliced banana and, voila, you have a snack that is just waiting to wake you up.

Orange juice
Pour that second cup of coffee down the drain and replace it with a cold glass of OJ. The vitamin C in orange juice helps your body produce energy, and the iron keeps your blood flowing properly. Sip on your favorite breakfast drink and stay awake to finish that 15-page math review.

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More brain food

Studying for exams can be really stressful, especially when you’ve got to get back at it after a long winter’s break. •  No worries, there’s a solution. Just eat! Yes, you read that correctly. But it’s got to be the right stuff. When you digest certain foods, they can actually help reduce stress levels. So drop those Doritos and munch on these stress relievers instead.

Oranges
Not only are oranges filled with savory juice, they’re also packed with vitamin C. When you’re stressed, your blood pressure can rise, which can lead to throbbing headaches — definitely not a good companion to memorizing those math formulas. Eating oranges helps keep you calm by normalizing your blood pressure levels. Oranges also strengthen your immune system, which is great for decreasing the risk of other stress symptoms.

Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E, which improves your mood and gives your skin a healthy glow. Having a deficiency of thiamin can cause precursors to stress such as irritability and restlessness. Sunflower seeds are rich in thiamin, so eating them makes you more relaxed and capable of finishing tedious study guides.

Dried apricots
These sweet treats can reduce stress because they’re full of magnesium. Good news for all you student athletes — magnesium is known to relax muscles as well. In addition to vitamin C, dried apricots are high in fiber, which makes you feel fuller and improves digestion. Dried apricots are a great alternative to snacks with little nutritional value, but remember to not eat too many at a time because they still have sugar in them.
 

Sources: voices.yahoo.com/top-5-natural-energy-boosting-snacks-2980212.html; suite101.com/article/top-10-health-benefits-of-almonds-a183971; ehow.com/info_7892975_foods-drinks-give-energy-naturally.html;