We all know the drill. It’s 4:00 PM, you have been in classes since morning, and you are starving. The easiest option is to grab a cold soda and a sausage roll from the vendor at the gate.
But as medical and nursing students, we know better. Junk food might give you a quick sugar rush, but the “crash” that follows will leave you sleeping during your 6 PM night reading.
Here is how to swap your snacks for better brain fuel without breaking the bank.
1. The Afternoon Snack: Gala vs. Groundnuts
❌ The Trap: Sausage rolls (Gala, Meaty, etc.).
- Why: It’s mostly flour and preservatives. It makes you feel full for 30 minutes, then sluggish for the next two hours.
✅ The Swap: Roasted Plantain (Boli) or a bottle of Groundnuts.
- Why: Groundnuts are packed with healthy fats and protein that sustain your energy levels. Plus, Boli is a complex carb that releases energy slowly.
2. The Late Night Grind: Energy Drinks vs. Water
❌ The Trap: Caffeinated Energy Drinks.
- Why: They spike your heart rate and anxiety. You might stay awake, but you won’t be focused. You’ll just be jittery and scrolling through TikTok.
✅ The Swap: Ice Cold Water (or weak Coffee).
- Why: Dehydration is the #1 cause of fatigue. Sometimes you aren’t sleepy; you are just thirsty. Keep a 75cl bottle on your desk at all times.
3. The “Indomie” Generation: Upgrade Your Noodles
Let’s be real, nobody is cooking a three-course meal during exams. Indomie is the saviour. But eating plain noodles every night is a recipe for malnutrition.
How to “Hack” Your Noodles for <₦500
- Add an Egg: Protein is essential for memory retention.
- Throw in Spinach (Efo): You can buy N200 worth of sliced vegetables at the market. It adds iron and vitamins instantly.
- Ditch one seasoning packet: Reduce the sodium intake to avoid that bloated feeling.
4. Quick Budget Meal Ideas (Under ₦1,500)
- Bread & Beans: The classic combo. Beans provide fiber that keeps you full for hours.
- Fruit Salad: Instead of buying a N1,000 shawarma, buy N500 watermelon and N500 pineapple. Your skin (and brain) will thank you.
Conclusion
You don’t need a millionaire’s budget to eat clean. Small swaps make a big difference in how much information you retain.
What is your go-to study snack? Tell us in the comments!
