Managing your money and juggling a social life whilst staying at student accommodation in Liverpool isn’t easy – any student will tell you that. However, if you’re preparing for an exam or pulling an all-nighter at the library to get that assignment done, the last thing you want is to be famished.
Of course, you could load up on energy drinks to help you stay awake or keep a share bag of crisps handy for when you’re feeling peckish – but your brain won’t thank you (nor will your waistline or dentist!).
The brain is your biggest asset, and one of the most complex parts of the human body. It’s constantly working and takes in all the information from lectures to help you achieve your grades. It retains this information, ensuring you can call upon it in exams or when writing your dissertation. So, it’s only right that you give your brain the fuel it needs.
For your brain to function at its best, you need:
- Protein – things like eggs, meat, nuts, and lentils help to send messages from your brain to the rest of your body, and can even boost your mood!
- Omega-3 – most notably found in oily fish, Omega-3 allows your brain to work much harder.
- Monounsaturated fats – fancy some avocado on toast? Foods like this can improve your memory and, in some cases, make the brain work harder.
- Dietary cholesterol – believe it or not, cholesterol from dairy products and eggs help the brain to create cells that send the messages around the body.
- Caffeine – caffeinated drinks can help you to feel refreshed and improve your concentration. But try to avoid energy drinks as these contain copious amounts of sugar which can have an adverse effect.
- Water – the brain is 73% water, and to keep it in good shape, you need to stay well hydrated – especially when exercising or studying.
Now you know what kind of foods you should be eating, let’s take a look at some of the best brain foods you can eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfast
How do you like your eggs in the morning? Boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried? Perhaps you’re partial to a breakfast omelette?
The great thing about eggs is that they are one of those foods that can be enjoyed at all times of the day, and they are an excellent source of vitamin B and a host of other beneficial nutrients that assist with brain function.
Alternatively, if you don’t have time to whip up some eggs, you could sprinkle some fruit and nuts on your morning porridge. Blueberries in particular are fantastic. They’re filled with antioxidants that help improve your memory.
Lunch
Whether you’ve got a busy day of lectures and plan on taking a packed lunch with you, or you’ll be at your student accommodation in Liverpool at lunchtime, you needn’t spend much time (or money) making a meal that is both tasty and good for the brain!
If you have access to a microwave, you can’t go wrong with a tin of vegetable soup. Or, if you’re a master in the kitchen, you could make your own lentil dahl? Low in calories and rich in iron, lentils are a fantastic source of protein and can be cooked in 5-20 minutes.
Other meals that can boost brainpower include salmon and spinach, and chicken and roasted vegetables.
Dinner
Trout, sardines and salmon are all rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and work nicely with a fresh bowl of salad or pasta.
A favourite amongst vegetarians and vegans, roasted chickpeas are a brilliant substitute for chips. Plus, they contain loads of fibre and protein which is exactly what your brain needs.
And don’t forget your greens! Bursting with antioxidants and vitamin K, broccoli is a vegetable that can also improve your memory.
Need something to tide you over?
If you’re looking for a mid-revision pick-me-up, try eating some almonds. These can give you a much-needed boost when you’re energy levels are dwindling.
Dark chocolate is the guilty pleasure of many – but this sweet confectionery is filled with antioxidants and can improve blood flow to the brain and help you to focus better.
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges are also a healthy snack to enjoy at any point during the day and assist with brain health.
And as for drinks, you need not go without your morning coffee to increase your alertness and sharpen your concentration. But if coffee isn’t really your thing, you could opt for green tea instead? Guaranteed to improve your attentiveness, performance, and memory.
