Power up your study with these student-friendly recipes and tips
Exams and final assessments are around the corner – which means long study sessions, busy days, and plenty of brain power needed. What you eat can play a huge role in keeping your energy, focus and motivation on track.
With National Nutrition Week (14–20 October) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about how food supports both your study and your wellbeing.
Expert tip: foods that feed your brain
When it comes to selecting the best ingredients for your brain health, Claire Margerison – an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian from Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) – shares her advice.
When it comes to selecting the best foods for brain health, foods like green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts and seeds, avocado, and oily fish (salmon, tuna etc) have all been scientifically shown to be good brain foods.
These ingredients help keep your brain sharp, boost memory and focus, and give you steady energy for long study sessions.
Recipes by students, for students
Want to put those ingredients into action? Check out these recipes submitted by Deakin students on the Nourished@Deakin website:
Ingredients
1cuprolled oats
1banana
1cupfrozen blueberries
½cuplow fat Greek yoghurt
2cuplow fat milkor alternative milk
1tbspchia seeds
Method
Combine all ingredients into a blender until smooth (around 1 minute)
Brain-boosting benefits 🧠⚡
Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, blueberries boost memory, improve communication between brain cells, and enhance overall cognitive performance.
Banana: Rich in potassium and natural sugars, bananas provide steady energy and support neurotransmitter function for better focus and memory.
Chia seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre, chia seeds support memory, concentration, and overall brain cell health.
Oats: High in complex carbohydrates and fibre, oats release glucose slowly, fuelling the brain and improving concentration and cognitive performance.
Place the potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover them and bring to a boil.
Once the potatoes are cooked (fork tender), drain the potatoes and place them on a baking tray. Gently flatten each with a jar, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 220°C till golden brown.
While the potatoes are roasting, wash and roughly chop lettuce and spinach. Toss together with the diced cucumbers.
In a separate bowl, combine yoghurt, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, diced gherkins/pickles (Optional). If needed, thin out the dressing with water.
When the potatoes are lightly golden, remove them from the oven. Toss together the veggies, potatoes and tuna.
Drizzle the prepared dressing on top and serve.
Brain-boosting benefits 🧠⚡
Spinach: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin K, and folate, spinach supports memory and slows age-related cognitive decline.
Tuna: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, tuna helps improve focus, memory, and overall brain cell health.
Olive oil: Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil supports brain function and protects against inflammation.
Got your own go-to recipe you’d like to share? Submit it to Nourished@Deakin by 17 October for the chance to win one ofthree A$100 eGift Cards!
Student snack hacks and study tips
We asked Deakin students to share their favourite snacks and strategies for exam time and here’s what they had to say:
Alexandria, HR Management (Psychology): Snack: Greek yoghurt with honey and berries, or hummus with carrot sticks. Tip: “I use a Study With Me Pomodoro Timer on YouTube. It feels like someone’s keeping me accountable – plus, no distraction changing playlists.”
Aamya, Software Engineering (Honours): Snack: Roasted foxnuts with olive oil, salt and pepper – light and crunchy. Tip: “If you feel stuck, take a break and sleep on it. The solution often comes easier the next morning.”
Sonam, IT (graduate): Snack: Cashews, almonds, or a ready-to-go meal like Luv-a-Duck from Woolies. Tip: “Don’t stress – this too shall pass.”
Aarya, Computer Science: Snack: Oats and seeds milkshake with honey and vanilla, paired with boiled eggs and berries for a balanced meal. Tip: “Prioritise sleep while studying. A well-rested mind retains more and focuses better.”
More ways to look after yourself during end of unit assessment time
Eat regularly. Skipping meals can zap your energy and focus.
Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration affects concentration.
Balance it out. Treats are fine, but try to anchor your diet with fresh veggies, lean protein, and wholegrains.
Keep moving. Break up long study blocks with short walks or stretches – your body and brain will thank you.
Explore more student recipes and study-friendly snack ideas on Nourished@Deakin, plus resources to help you keep healthy and energised during exams. And don’t forget to submit your own recipe before 17 October for your chance to win!
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