You Need Protein To Study Better—Here’s How To Eat More
It’s time to optimize your diet.
Life as a college student is a wholly unique experience. From late-night study sessions to early-morning instant ramen, this time of your life is unlike any other. And we want you to enjoy it, of course. But you can also use the foods you eat to help you work smarter and not harder.
Protein is essential for healthy brain development. It’s also the second largest matter in the brain (with water being first). A high-protein diet can help the neurons in your brain communicate more efficiently. Meaning what? You’ll be able to retain and recall information better. Pretty important with finals coming up.
Here are 10 easy ways to add more protein into your diet!
Eggs
There are so many ways to make eggs, and they’re a complete protein source (meaning they contain all 9 essential amino acids). If you have access to a kitchen, scrambling some eggs is an easy way to get more protein any time during the day, because who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?
Greek Yogurt
An easy breakfast for early morning classes, Greek yogurt is packed with plenty of protein. Plus, the mix-in options are endless: fruit, granola, nut butter, and more. We promise you won’t get bored with this option.
Cottage Cheese
For those of you who can handle the texture of cottage cheese (I am not one of those people), a half-cup serving boasts a whopping 12 grams of protein. Create a cottage cheese bowl for a sweet or savory snack, or even put it on toast!
Greens
Leafy greens can help add protein to your diet, especially if you’re vegan. Even veggies like broccoli have protein—100 grams will give you almost 3 grams of protein. Time to start stocking up on salad!
Trail Mix
If you buy (or make your own) trail mix, make sure it has plenty of nuts for the optimum protein intake. Think almonds, peanuts, or walnuts. Add in some dried fruit and dark chocolate for a sweet and salty study snack.
Whole Wheat Bread
If you normally use white bread, it might be time to switch to whole wheat. Each slice has almost 3 more grams than regular white bread. The same applies for other grains like rice, too.
Peanut Butter
Apple slices with peanut butter will always be a top-tier snack, so start incorporating them into your diet more. Add peanut butter to toast, bananas, celery, or even just have a spoonful for a quick and filling treat.
Cheese
Don’t forget about dairy! Snacking cheeses like Babybel or Laughing Cow go great with veggies and crackers. And who could forget the age-old classic string cheese?
Protein Powder
An easy way to get more protein into your diet is to start incorporating protein powder into your diet, especially if you’re strength training regularly. A good rule of thumb is to look for at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our handy guide on how to find the perfect protein powder for you!
Smoothies
Combine all the knowledge you’ve learned (Greek yogurt! Peanut butter! Protein powder!) to create a protein-packed smoothie that will keep you full and energized for hours. Plus, smoothies are endlessly customizable, so you’ll be able to find your perfect formula.
Did you know this one snack can reduce your stress? Find out how to add it to your snacks ASAP.
