Heavy Fuel
I know that I am dating myself with the title of this particular blog, but I am a big fan of the classic rock group “Dire Straits” and I particular like the song by the same title of this blog, “Heavy Fuel.” For a kick, type it into YouTube for a fun trip back in time to rockin’ guitar riffs and some “fun” 80’ outfits. Anyways, despite the slightly random title to this blog, I am still referring to finals. How so? Well, I would say that because of the long hours required by studying, students tend to rely on their on version of “heavy fuel” to keep them going and studying late into the night.
Personally, I prefer a “healthier” approach to tackling the books for a long afternoon or a late night. Typically if I am going to spend an afternoon/early evening in the library, I make sure to pack up a full lunch. I try to keep it healthy, yet full of the energy I will need. It typically will consist of a PB and J (only my personal FAVORITE sandwich ever that I could and sometimes do eat literally everyday), a baggie of baby carrots, a protein or breakfast bar, and my special energy source: a tasty apple. Now I know that baby carrots don’t sound like a gourmet meal, but, along with the rest of my favorite snacks, they provide me with good fuel and energy to keep me going all afternoon.
Another strategy is the late night type of studying. When going for this particular flavor of studying, I will typically pack my secret weapon as a staple (that apple I mentioned before). In addition, I will typically add in a Clif bar for an added kick of energy, or if I am at the Barnes and Noble Café in the bookstore, I will invest in a granola bar. I did find a particular favorite during this semester’s installment of finals: trail mix. The salty mix of peanuts and cashews complimented to the sweet raisins and M&M’s gave me nice balance of nutrients and some added sugar to push me through even the longest night.
I mention what I typically eat, but I would venture a guess to say your “average cookie cutter student” doesn’t go my culinary route. I think a few too many depend on the allure of those new-fangled energy drinks. While they do provide a boost, they also provide an unsettling crash after their intended effects. In addition to the new energy drinks, folks tend to cling to caffeine, be it in soft drinks or in the staple of many a late night study session: coffee.
In any case, everyone has their own ways of staying awake and alert during finals or before any other large test. In my humble opinion, it is smart to pick something that has some health value that will also give you that burst of energy. All I know is that I was able to survive a rough finals week eating healthy, and I highly recommend it. However, if you go for that cup of joe or a diet coke, don’t let me make you feel bad, we all have our own methods of keeping awake. Anyways, as I mentioned in that previous blog of mine, I had gotten through those first three finals, and since I was nice and fueled up, it was time to bring it home with the last two! Stay tuned for the final chapter in this “Finals Thrillogy”. Take care!