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For many students, going to school can be a new and exciting time, but it can also present its share of challenges. The demands of school can sometimes lead students to unhealthy behaviors. Ironically, however, that late-night binging of pizza, nachos, and other food may actually work to inhibit their performance in class.

 

With so many unhealthy options available, it is important for everyone to be mindful of their diet and what we put in our bodies. Luckily, there are a lot of tasty foods that will keep students in shape and focused on their studies. Here is a guide on what to eat and what to avoid.

Sugary, Fatty Foods Are Addictive

For many, college involves endless pizza parties, junk food binges, and the unsafe consumption of alcohol. The issue is that all of these substances can be addictive. In fact, some studies show that junk food is as addictive as heroin, and the culprit is the same organ that helps students do their homework: the brain.

 

There is a reward system in your brain that releases chemicals into your body when you do anything that encourages your survival, including eating, and the primary chemical is dopamine, which your brain interprets as pleasure. The issue with fatty foods is that they are loaded with harmful ingredients including sugar, trans fats, and processed oils, which effectively elevate the level of dopamine that is released.

 

The more you engage in activities that release dopamine, the better you feel. Those with less self-control will return to these harmful activities time and time again — in fact, it’s the dopamine release that drives people to seek out more intense drugs like methamphetamine.While eating these kinds of foods likely won’t give you the same level of high or have you wanting something more intense like methamphetamine, it’s important to understand how strong of a chemical dopamine is when it comes to addiction.

 

Having a diet of sugary, fatty foods can be even worse for those who party too much and get addicted to alcohol as well as those who use Adderall in hopes of extending their study time because the student is just combining bad habits.

 

In some cases, people will try to quit a drug and replace it with fatty food, thinking that they are doing themselves a favor, but they are missing out on essential nutrients, which can lead to the erosion of muscle and bone. To reverse these negative trends, it is important to eat foods that have fiber, protein, and healthy carbohydrates. This includes foods like potatoes, nuts, and whole grain bread.

Negative Effects of Fatty Food

The problem with being dependant on fatty foods is that these treats can have many negative side effects other than addiction. For instance, after a hard day of studying, many students enjoy a late night trip to their favorite drive-through restaurant. However, studies have proven that eating too much fast food can lead to drowsiness, which can be especially dangerous when behind the wheel. Plus, increased sleepiness and necessary focus do not go hand-in-hand with productive studying.

 

According to a new study, overindulging in fatty food can also affect your short-term memory — a major blow to students trying to pass big exams. During an investigation, researchers trained 32 rats to complete a challenging maze while also feeding them a low-fat diet. After they finished the maze correctly, some of the rats were switched to a high-fat diet, and after four days, those rats did worse on the test than their healthy counterparts. The theory is that fat can trigger insulin resistance, making your body less efficient at processing glucose, which is instrumental for proper brain function.

 

Of course, when we go to school, we are hoping to make a better future in our chosen field, so being responsible with fatty food is especially important so you can avoid many of the common diseases that are associated with bad eating. We have all heard that eating a lot of fat and cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of high cholesterol, cardiac arrest, and high blood pressure. In addition, some research shows that eating trans fats on a regular basis could increase your risk of prostate, colon, and rectum cancers. It is important to be healthy now so that you can live a long life after school.

A Rich Diet of Fruits & Vegetables

Now that you know the foods should avoid, what should you eat to stay in tip-top shape? As our parents have always told us, a diet with healthy helpings of fruits and vegetables will keep your body healthy and your mind sharp. Having these healthy options in your diet not only prevents you from taking in unnecessary fat but also provides you with important nutrients.

 

Not convinced on the transformative power of a healthy diet? Consider how it can be used to combat serious health conditions, from managing chronic conditions to even helping those recovering from addiction. A healthy diet repairs the body and mind, reduces stress, and, yes, even reduce cravings to use harmful addictive substances.

 

But which specific foods should you introduce to your diet? Grapefruit and cantaloupe are high in vitamin A, which keeps your skin and eyes healthy, so you can see your lectures and read your textbooks. Pears and apples are rich in fiber, which helps to keep your cholesterol levels low and may actually help you to live longer. Avocados, bananas, and nuts have magnesium, which is known to help with bone health, migraines, and anxiety.

 

School can be a stressful time for students, and while some can find ways to handle it, others can feel heavier, physical side effects. Excessive stress can cause effects including:

 

• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Insomnia
• Grinding teeth
• Skin rashes and rosacea

 

Stress is also a significant cause of rashes like rosacea, which you can fight it off with a diet of fruits and vegetables and by avoiding spicy foods, marinated meats, and alcohol. Instead, go for foods known for their calming effects, like berries, oranges, and oatmeal.

 

School can be challenging enough as it is, the last thing you need to worry about is the negative side effects of a poor diet. Pack your diet with nutritious options and set yourself up for success.