Superfoods for Back to School

After any long vacation, it’s easy and almost inevitable to feel sluggish and low on energy, even with all that relaxation.  Coming back to school after the summer can be especially bittersweet since you’re back on campus with friends but also have to face yet another year (or completely new one for freshmen) of juggling your studies, extracurricular activities, and social life.  To help you get back into the swing of things after a two month hiatus, here is a list of "superfoods" to help boost your memory and energy to jump back into the school year!

Many of you are probably wondering what a superfood is exactly.  By definition, a superfood is a nutrient-rich food found to be beneficial for health and overall well-being.  Research has shown that including these “smart” foods in your daily diet can greatly increase your chances of boosting memory and brain function:

1.      Blueberries are full of antioxidants and can significantly enhance your learning capacity and motor skills.  You can enjoy them in Grab & Go parfaits and at the yogurt and pancake bar at the dining halls right on campus!

2.      Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, which is linked to cognition.  Snack bags including cashews, peanuts, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are sold at The Elli, the convenience store in the Ellicott Food Court.   

3.      Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats (also known as the “good” fat) and promote brain health.  Look for avocados in Grab & Go sandwiches, at Edgy Veggies’ salad bar, and in the homemade guacamole at the new Guac N Roll

 

4.      Whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice improve cardiovascular health, ultimately providing good flow to the brain.  An assortment of whole grains—including quinoa, tabbouleh, barley, and farro —are available on campus.

5.      Beans help stabilize glucose (or blood sugar) levels, which the brain is dependent on for fuel.  A great way to get in a serving of beans is with the assorted hummuses. 

6.      Tea also has potent antioxidants that boosts brain power by improving memory, focus, and mood.  Perks Coffee Shop in the Ellicott Food Court offers an abundant assortment of teas.

7.      Chocolate—specifically dark—improves mood, enhances focus and concentration, and tastes delicious!  Unfortunately, it is the one superfood in which more is not better, but you can enjoy it in moderation.  Visit the Elli or the vending machines on campus to get your hands on some!

Welcome back!