Exam season is almost upon us and everyone who lives within ten feet of a teenager is on tenterhooks.
As a parent, all you can do is be on hand with supportive advice and lots of study treats to ease the pressure.
While sugary biscuits and fizzy jellies are the first thing the average student will reach for when they’re a little peckish, these only lead to a sugar high and an inevitable crash; not ideal for when you’re burning the midnight oil.
Here’s some easy snacks and healthy treats that can be bought at your local Lidl to help fuel concentration and sooth niggling nerves…
1. Smart smoothies
Every parent knows that kids will devour almost anything when it’s blitzed into a smoothie. Start with a cup of soya milk, then add a handful of blueberries, which have been shown to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, a tablespoon of flaxseeds, (the omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain function) and a teaspoon of peanut butter. Whizz until smooth and add an ice cube.
2. Apple slices
A zingy crunch is just what the doctor ordered when you’re elbow-deep in mathematical theorems. Slice an apple, then load up the slices with peanut butter, nuts, raisins and chocolate chips.
3. Dark chocolate
A tasty treat in itself, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and has even been shown to reduce inflammation – ideal for stressful last-minute study sessions. Break off a few squares or better yet; melt it into a cup of warm almond milk for a hot chocolate.
4. Avocado toast
As well as being the Instagram snack du jour, mashed avocado on toasts is a filling meal with a host of extra benefits. Packed with folate, essential for brain health, and good fats, if you load your avo onto a slice of wholegrain toast you’ll keep them full for hours. Top with an egg or sprinkle with feta cheese and pomegranate seeds for added pizzazz.
5. Eggs
Research has shown that egg-eaters perform better in memory tests. They’re also a fantastic source of protein, which will help keep your little Einstein going through that final essay. To jazz them up, try devilled eggs: hard boil your eggs, slice them in half and scoop out the yolks. Mix the yellow yolks with a little creme fraiche, season, then scoop it back into the whites. Sprinkle with paprika and keep in the fridge. Add some beetroot to the mix to make it pop!
Looking for some more recipe ideas? Lidl has even more great recipes at Lidl-recipes.ie and ways to save on your shopping here.
