Hi everyone, I'm entering the last month of my spring term at college and right now its pretty brutal. I haven't been able to get enough sleep (like I consider 6 an amazing night) and my excercise has been limited somewhat as well.

The thing is when I go this long without really being able to really rest I always feel I need to eat more to keep me going...or if not more than more often. I've been getting a good amount of protein (greek yogurt, tofu, chickpeas and edamame in salads) and trying to keep snacks healthy but I feel so depleted all of the time.

Is there any kind of food that gives a decent burst of energy other than caffiene and pure sugar I could snack on while working...I'd like to avoid another set of finals where I rely on chocolate covered espresso beans washed down with diet coke.

thanks everyone!!

Speaking as a student myself (currently working on my PhD), I know exactly what you are going through.

First, there is no substitute for sleep. There just isn't. I, too, reduce my exercise during finals so I have fewer energy demands and more time for sleep. Try to get more if at all possible. A 20-minute nap at your desk works wonders.

I depend on coffee for energy boosts, but I like to sip on hot green tea all day. I supplement that with small meals. I already eat 5-6 small meals a day, but during finals I'll add in another bagel or sandwich and portion that appropriately.

There's really no magic answer for energy bursts. It comes down to sleep, which you can't make up for with caffeine or sugar. I found that I felt better if I took little periodic naps and sometimes went for short walks to get some fresh air.

first of all, i find that eating to the point of getting full will slow me down very quickly. on the days i need to stay up for long periods of time, i "graze" on as many raw fruits and vegetables at all times throughout the day, instead of breaking my time up into meals, snacks, and non-eating periods.

i'm not sure if this works for everyone or is even good/healthy advice, but it's what i do for short-term answers to all-nighters and such. i wouldn't do it for longer than a day, probably.

best of luck!

I am a sophomore in college... I know what you mean!
I take a multivitamin everyday and I find low cal soups great as snacks. (Choose those like chicken noodle or tomato-based soups, absolutely NO cream-based ones.) I also like to eat tuna fish in water.
Right now I have exams. I try to sleep 8 hours a day... more sleep = more efficiency. And sadly, I will have to cut down on exercise these 2 weeks during exams.

....Speaking of vitamins/supplements have you thought about getting spirulina tablets?

While I'm not a student I work in a busy stressful environment and try hard to fit in exercise around work, get home late from work, barely sleep then up the next day for more...

I started taken these tablets about a month ago and in a word.... WOW .... they have helped me out heaps with my energy levels.

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Info about Spirulina :

Beneficial for: those feeling exhausted, run down or lacking in energy; those leading stressful lifestyles or working long hours; people on restricted diets or not eating enough greens; health conscious people or fitness enthusiasts

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Remember - Coffee and Sugar foods only give you limited energy, you'll hit a peak and then your energy levels will plummet fast leaving you feeling worse off.

Try snacking on things that give you natural energy, banana, different types of nuts (eg brazil nuts, almonds that kind of thing)...obviously not a huge bag of salted peanuts.. lol.

Not a big fan of suppliments to help stay awake.

Eating right, getting rest = best.

That said make sure your getting some carbs. Their your energy that works wonders. Take a nap if you can while prepping for all the tests... I found like Arby said that to be a great thing... 30 mins to 1 hour can seem like so much...

A little coffee or green tea isn't too bad. Some people try to Overdue it on the caffine stuff, imho its not worth it. All my years in college showed me that sleep, nap and right food helped me the best.

Good luck and hope you do well!

FYI - Spirulina is a natural energy boost. Its not exactly a suppliment to help keep you awake. I think it will help with everyday energy levels.

I recently discovered something that gives me a good energy boost. I put two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a bottle of bottled water and then add a packet of Crystal Light (any flavor). I drink one in the morning, one late morning (or lunch) and one late afternoon. Gives me a burst of energy, though it took me a couple of days to notice the change. It's a great substitute to caffeine and you are getting at least three bottles of water down a day minimum. Also, according to the folks at GNC, the Apple Cider Vinegar does a great job balancing out your body acids. Hope this helps...good luck with finals!

I don't mean to be hostile, but when someone makes their first posts on a health/fitness website to push an energy supplement, I immediately assume it's spam. Traineo is a very attractive demographic to such advertising, so I tend to filter out these posts with a very skeptical eye.

In general, I don't trust supplements.

This Rachel M chick looks like she is trying to copy me or something... except I don't push supplements.