How to Snack Healthily This Finals Week

With finals in full swing, and energy and motivation rapidly depleting, it’s essential to stay driven and power through this last stretch. Healthy snacks are a great way to enjoy yourself and maintain your energy in order to end the quarter strong. Check out our top three recommendations below for some tasty and affordable ideas.


Avocado with olive oil and salt

Image via The Feedfeed

Image via The Feedfeed

Everyone’s had guacamole and avocado toast, but this minimalist creation is equally as delicious and actually healthier, all while maintaining the purity of this majestic seeded fruit. Just cut the avocado in half and sprinkle lightly with salt, and enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil! Add lemon, balsamic, chia seeds or other seasonings of choice to spice things up a bit. If you’re craving avocado toast, try substituting an organic rice cake in place of toast.


Nuts

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Nuts are the perfect snack for any occasion, but particularly for periods that require high energy, as they are loaded with nutrients to help power through your day. Some are slightly more nutritious than others, but as a general rule of thumb, all nuts are good nuts! They’re also quite versatile, as you can combine them with peanut butter, chuck them in salads, or just eat them as is. For a extra filling breakfast, toss in some almonds or cashews into your oatmeal for breakfast.


Cheese

image via Wellplated

image via Wellplated

Whoa… cheese?? Yes, cheese!! Cheese is often thought of as unhealthy because of its pairings and various iterations. True, it’s not really a nutritious snack when poured on top nachos or in the middle of a double-stacked cheeseburger, but cheese can be a nutritious snack if consumed in a more simple manner. It’s high in protein, and some cheese, such as mozzarella and goat cheese, are much lower in calories and fat. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some multigrain crackers or fresh fruit and you’re well on your way to a healthy charcuterie board.


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Healthy Snacks to Help You Power Through Finals

As every UChicago student knows, finals week can be not only extremely hectic but also damaging to one’s health. Trying to recall an entire quarter’s worth of information in a few days is taxing, to say the least. That said, keeping a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to maintaining your physical health. It can also enhance brain function, control stress, and increase productivity! Here are eight easy and healthy snack ideas to fuel your mind.

1. Oatmeal: Low in calories and high in fiber, protein, and necessary minerals, it doesn’t get any easier than whipping up a bowl of oatmeal. Add a dollop of almond butter with one cup of cooked oatmeal in order to boost protein and feel fuller for longer.

2. Carrots: Carrots are very inexpensive and packed with nutrients to keep you on top of your game.

3. Radishes: Raw radishes are one of my go-to snacks. They have a powerful taste and actually help cleanse your liver and stomach. They can also help you stay calm and keep you from catching your roommate’s sickness since they contain potassium that lowers blood pressure and high vitamin C content that improves the immune system.

4. Dark chocolate-covered bananas: Bananas contain 10 milligrams of dopamine, which will boost your mood, and dark chocolate is also known to boost serotonin in your brain.

5. Apples with peanut butter: This classic is high in fiber and protein, and packed with taste in every bite. Another variation is wrapping apple slices in turkey or ham, a combo that is sure to satisfy your hunger and boost your energy levels.

6. Homemade trail mix: Avoid the sugary grocery store mixes and make your own! Try mixing nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.), fruits, and flax or sunflower seeds and gogi berries.

7. Greek Yogurt: A cup of full-fat Greek yogurt is a fantastic standalone stack. It is well-rounded nutritionally, with a substantial dose of protein and fat that will help keep you satisfied.

8. Banana Ice Cream: When you are craving ice cream or those sugary Bartlett popsicles, try slicing and freezing some bananas and then putting them in your blender until they create a frosty, creamy puree. This is a refreshing and healthier alternative to classic ice cream that can cure any sweet tooth!

Happy studying and snacking, and best of luck with finals! 


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Finals Week Playlist: Calming Tunes

As the Winter Quarter comes to a conclusion, you might just need some songs played on repeat to accompany you as you study for that final exam. Recent releases from artists like Ed Sheeran, Khalid, and Calvin Harris are the perfect tunes to listen to during this stressful period (because it doesn't have to be!).

 

Ed Sheeran ÷ (Deluxe) March 3, 2017

Ed Sheeran's new album is seriously all I've been listening to lately. The steady rhythm and his calming voice in these songs are a great background to my studying!

My favorites from this album are Eraser, Dive, Perfect, Galway Girl, Happier, New Man, and Save Myself. 

 

Khalid American Teen March 3, 2017 

Khalid's got such a deep and clear voice that's just so pleasant to listen to. Even some of his upbeat songs sound quite composed, which is just what you want while studying! 

My favorites from this album are American Teen, Young Dumb & Broke, Coaster, 8TEEN, and Shot Down.

Here is another song from Khalid that I couldn't stop listening to.

Alina Baraz also has some nice songs that can help you focus.

 

Calvin Harris Slide ft. Frank Ocean and Migos Feb. 24, 2017

Frank Ocean's nonchalant voice and diction and the mix of paces make this piece incomparable.

 

X Ambassadors Hoping New Release!

All proceeds of this song go to the ACLU, the American Civil Liberties Union. This is definitely my favorite song at the moment. It's so catchy and makes you feel good to sing along to.

 

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MODA Blog Playlists: Finals Week Tunes

A little mix of easy background music, sprinkled with a few upbeat tracks, to get you studiously pumped to ace your exams and write like the wind. 

  1. Hallucinate - Oliver Riot
  2. Take Me - The 3am
  3. Sleep Alone - Black Coast
  4. Loot - Club Kuru
  5. Rainclouds - Boxing at the Zoo
  6. I Might Be Wrong - Andrew Judah
  7. Alcatraz - Oliver Riot
  8. Ivory Black - Oliver Riot
  9. Share Your Love - TRACES
  10. Believer - Myzica
  11. This Burden - Camikaze
  12. Figurine - Henri Bardot
  13. Do You Love Someone - Grouplove
  14. Up All Night - Kid Freud
  15. All I Know - Noah Kittinger
  16. Monsters - Taylor Phelan
  17. Heir to the Sugar Honey Queen - Ehiorobo
  18. Patience - Josh Cashman
  19. Overnight - Chroma Bay
  20. Like a Balloon - Motel Raphaël 
  21. Home - Nick Wilson
  22. Harder - Ames
  23. Afterglow - Speakrs
  24. Ghost - Matt Gresham
  25. Suitcase - Cheers Elephant
  26. Where You Came From - East of Here

Find the playlist on Spotify: 

Productive Pump Ups: Music for Midterms

Hello, World!

With the start of 6th week (a.k.a. midterms on midterms on midterms), queue the typical setting of utter unproductivity in your favorite study spot (shoutout to my beloved but always occupied 5th Floor Reg cubicle) in a Chai Latte enriched state of mind. Break the study rut (or write a blog post about breaking the study rut instead of actually breaking the study rut) with the following pumped up songs that are sure to get you in the P-Set/Paper/Midterm mood! Check out the Playlist on SoundCloud here!

  1. Bridges - Broods
  2. Coffee - Sylvan Esso
  3. Constant Crush - VÉRITÉ
  4. Don't Wanna Dance - MØ
  5. Drive - Glades
  6. Fast Line - Rationale
  7. Find What You're Looking For - Flint Eastwood
  8. Forces - Japanese Wallpaper, Airling
  9. Gooey - Glass Animals
  10. Hamptons - BLAJK
  11. Help Me Lose My Mind - Disclosure, London Grammar
  12. How Did I Get Here - ODESZA
  13. Hold On We're Going Home - ASTR
  14. Hurt Me - Låpsley
  15. Intention - Kiiara
  16. Never Be Like You (feat. Kai) - Flume, Kai
  17. No Rest For The Wicked - Lykke Li
  18. Obedear - Purity Ring
  19. Often - The Weeknd
  20. Paranoia, Ghosts & Other Sounds - SAFIA
  21. Pierre - Ryn Weaver
  22. Pirouette - Made in Heights
  23. Plain Sight - Kita Alexander
  24. Scared - Mothica
  25. Stay Low - Ryn Weaver
  26. Talk Is Cheap - Chet Faker
  27. Touch - Shura
  28. Underdressed - VÉRITÉ
  29. Waking Up - Mr Little Jeans
  30. Weight In Gold - Gallant
  31. Wet Dreams - Saya
  32. Winterbreak - MUNA
  33. Worthy - Jacob Banks
  34. YOUTH - Troye Sivan
  35. 1965 - Zella Day

Let us know in the comments down below if you enjoyed the playlist and if you want to see more like this in the future!

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6 Ways to Find Your Inner Zen on Campus

One more week until break, one more week until break, one more week until break. We've been repeating this mantra in the hopes that it'll make the days go by faster. Does it actually? We can only hope. The unfortunate reality is that a week chock full of papers, exams and labs stand between you and a week of unending freedom. Before you start banging your head against the wall in frustration or drowning your despair in coffee and French fries, check out 6 of our favorite ways to de-stress on campus.

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Meditation: Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure, reduce stress or anxiety, and increase relaxation and optimism. Every weekday morning from 8:00am to 8:20am at Rockefeller Chapel, the Spiritual Life Office hosts "20 Minutes Still". Stop by on your way to breakfast or before an early morning exam to get the day off to a good start.

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Yoga in Rockefeller: Release the tension in your body after spending the day hunched over a laptop or textbook with a gentle yoga class. Offered between 4:30pm and 6:45pm at Rockefeller on Monday's and from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at Bond Chapel on Thursdays, prepare to leave feeling well-stretched and stress-free.

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Coloring : Adult coloring books have now become socially acceptable, even trendy. Focusing on coloring neatly within the lines of the design (or outside, whatever floats your boat), demands your full concentration, leaving no room to focus on all your upcoming assignments. Print a few of these intricate designs and take a well-deserved study break. The best part is that when you're done, you can hang it up in your room!

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Zumba: Nothing relieves stress quite like an intense workout. For a fun yet challenging sweat session, check out the zumba classes offered by the University at 6:15pm on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays and at 8:15am on Tuesdays/Thursdays. Be prepared to shimmy and shake your worries away, all set to some fierce Shakira and Beyonce.

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Dat Donut at the Reg: To distract from a rough exam or to celebrate the submission of a paper, nothing does it like sugar and carbs. Check out the Dat Donut sale in the Reg A-Level on Monday from 5pm to 1am to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

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Image via

Promontory Point: Now that the weather is starting to warm up (Couldn't. Come. Soon. Enough), take the time to go for a leisurely walk to the Point, only 15 minutes from campus. The exercise will help shake off any lingering stress while the fresh air and breeze will clear your head. Plus, the view of the Chicago skyline can't be beat.

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What are your favorite things to do around campus to relieve stress? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anywhere but the Reg: Alternate Study Spots around Hyde Park

Final's week is upon us yet again. The tense energy is palpable in the Regenstein. And it probably even took you more than 20 minutes of wandering around to find an open space to start your work. Don't worry though, there are plenty of spots on campus to fit all of your study needs!  

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The hospital offers up some of the most quiet and spacious places to study on campus:

  1. Starbucks in the East Lobby (Corner of 57th St. and Drexel Ave.)
  2.  Sky Lounge (7th floor of the Center for Care and Discovery)
  3. Crerar Library (Technically not apart of the hospital, but it is the medical research library)

Cafes on campus have a cozy ambience with great coffee:

  1. Plein Air (Seminary Co-Op)
  2. Bridgeport Coffeehouse (Hyde Park Art Center)
  3. Cafe Logan (Logan Center for the Arts)
  4. Robust Coffee Lounge (63rd St. and Woodlawn Ave.)
  5. Smart Museum Cafe (Lobby of Smart Museum)

If you are feeling adventurous and have the time to venture downtown...

  1. Cafe Integral (19 E Ohio Street)
  2. Osmium Coffee Bar (1117 W Belmont Ave)
  3. Dollop Coffee and Tea (345 E Ohio Street)

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