These Super Foods will Keep you Energized on those Cold Campus Days

If there’s one thing we know, it’s that a long day on Central Michigan University’s snow covered campus makes for cold hands and sniffly noses and that overwhelming feeling of exhaustion.

Below are a few foods packed with nutrients that will energize you and keep you motivated throughout these next couple of snowy months.

Iron-rich foods

“Always eat your fruits and vegetables!” The classic phrase was sputtered out of most, if not all, of our parents mouths when we were growing up. But we promise these words were said for a reason.

The reason being: When it comes to gaining energy, fruits and vegetables should be your go-to foods.

If you’re ever feeling sluggish and exhausted, there’s about a 50 percent chance your iron level is off balance. Iron-rich foods like spinach are perfect for refueling iron levels and energy levels, which is perfect for those long tiring days.

By boiling a cup of spinach and pairing it with other foods like eggs or beans, you can drastically boost your iron supply and energize yourself enough to tackle classes, especially those pesky 8 a.m. classes.

“Adding lemon juice to the spinach helps a lot, too,” said Dr. Najat Yehia, a nutrition and health professor at Central Michigan University.

Though there is iron in spinach, the lemon juice will help pull the iron out so your body can use it.

Cinnamon

Ever find yourself zoning out in class or trying to stay awake during a long lecture? Because, we are.

This is where that container of cinnamon sitting in your spice cabinet comes in handy. Cinnamon helps keep you attentive and composed while aiding your memory function and concentration.

So, before you walk across campus in those high winds, add a dash of cinnamon to your hot cocoa, coffee or tea.

Mint

There’s an actual purpose for your favorite minty or wintergreen flavored gum.

It aids in alertness and concentration. You knew there was a reason you were constantly buying the stuff!

Chewing mint gum or even chewing actual mint leaves has been known to heighten memory and increase cognition. But, mint essential oils can also help in just as many ways as the actual herb. Sniffing this oil or rubbing it on your temples and forehead can relief migraines and headaches triggered by stress.

So, next time you pull out your favorite pack of gum we won’t blame you for being discreet about it.

Cherries

Ever feel so tired that when your head hits your pillow you think of everything and anything that falling asleep becomes seemingly hard? Chances are it’s just that your melatonin levels are low.

Melatonin is a chemical produced in the brain that helps us to relax and sleep.

The human body has its own natural reserve of melatonin, which works with the energy cycle of the sun. This supply can get thrown off by daily stressors, unhealthy practices and busy schedules.

Tart cherry juice can significantly increase melatonin levels, so try to incorporate at least 30 milliliters, twice a day into your diet.

For optimum results, Dr. Yehia recommends whole cherries instead of juice for a melatonin boost.