Many students put on weight during exam time as they spend a lot of time just sitting, studying and drinking sugary carbonated drinks. Having good degrees and qualifications has never been more important and the pressure to study and succeed can lead to stress and in some cases to overeating.
Maintaining a positive attitude to study time is important. The more positive you feel about your studying the easier it will be to remember all the facts. Study the most difficult or least interesting material first, when your energy is high. A survey revealed that students are dealing with exam time pressure by making choices which can negatively affect their scholastic performance, as well as their overall health. This includes increased snacking during study time. Start your busy day with some exercise before you hit the shower. Do ten minutes of exercise every morning to wake up your body. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happier and more confident. If you’re not sure which exercises to do, send off for my mini morning work out by e-mailing [email protected]. Choose a nutritious whole grain breakfast, like Muesli, Weetabix, or oatmeal to fuel your brain. Studies have shown that eating the right breakfast makes a difference in alertness, mood, concentration and sustained energy levels. The colored pigments in fruits such as berries act as anti-oxidants, which have been shown to boost memory function. Bananas too are highly nutritious and great for giving you a boost of energy. Drinking large quantities of coffee to help you get through long periods of study will actually interfere with your natural sleep patterns and make you more tired in the long term. Try to keep a bottle of water on your desk; it’s great for the skin too.
Recipe of the week
(My recipes are intended provide healthy meals for the whole family to enjoy)
Chicken satay with peanut sauce
(Makes 18 to 24 skewers)
Ingredients
Chicken marinade
1 tbsp. Oil
1 tbsp. Soy Sauce
1 tbsp. Honey
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
1 tbsp. Grated Fresh Ginger root
Method
Cut six boneless skinless chicken breast into strips. Add chicken to marinade and mix until coated. I liked them to marinade overnight. Thread the chicken onto soaked (in water at least 30 mins) wooden skewers. (I have covered the end of the skewers with foil to keep them from catching fire). Cover an edged cookie sheet with foil and place chicken on foil. Cook for approximately 7 minutes each side or until the juices run clear.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. sesame oil
1/3 cup Peanut butter
Method
Bring the broth, soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil to a simmer in a small saucepan. Add the peanut butter and stir until well blended. This sets up better when at room temperature.
Ask Alva
I have read about this Actrim and I would like to know if it is suitable for me? I am 30 years old and have gradually put on weight over the past 5 years so that now I have a BMI of 30 and seriously need to lose 18 kilos. I would say that I am a reasonably active woman but I guess that food is my weakness. — Chubs
The most important thing is that you have recognized the problem, and as your BMI reading is 30 it does mean that you are now classed as being clinically obese, which may come as something as a shock to you. You would be a perfect candidate for the Actrim slimming supplement, as it will help your body to gradually shed the excess fat that has accumulated over the years. Gradual weight loss is always best and the supplement will help you to lose around 5 kg a month. Recognizing the fact that food is your weakness is important, and it is vital that you sort out your food craving by developing new eating habits. My Healthy Eating Guide is available by e-mailing to [email protected] and it will help you whilst you follow the Actrim course. — Alva