Finals are here. I know I just killed the mood. It is time to start mentally preparing, or just preparing in general is good too. If you haven’t read the book for your class, now is a great time to crack it open. Actually, getting a copy of the book is a step in the right direction. Maybe you haven’t been to class much, and that’s why you should read to book. And, heck -- some of you couldn’t care less that you are screwed.
I, personally, am one of those people that are taking finals overly serious because what else am I supposed to do. There we’ll be a ton of finals related article over the next two weeks but you are reading this one because it involves a universal love. Food.
During finals week we share something in common, we eat instead of sleep. Whether it’s because of nerves or actually studying is another matter. Drinks are a different matter because going into finals you have already decided if you are a tea, coffee, energy drink, or wine and alcohol person. Therefore, you already know what liquid you will be pairing the food with, but that doesn't mean I won't share my two cents.
1. Chips.
This is one I mention frequently even though I am not a chip person. I heard from a source that graduated from Georgia Tech, chips are the way to go. The crunch wakes you up. So there can be a whole other list of crunchy foods to eat like cheerios and granola and all types of crunchy foods. Chips pair nicely with energy drinks, (not that I would know).
2. Nuts.
Were you expecting that one? Although high in calorie (ugh), almonds nutritional value kinda sorta outweighs the negative. Almonds, peanuts, cashews and pistachios are all delicious! One of my favorite things is that nuts can be paired nicely with chocolate chips and M&Ms. The real point is they are high in protein and healthy fats so you aren’t hungry during your all-nighters. They also have the crunch that apparently is good. Nuts pair nicely with teas and red wines.
3. Peanut butter and bagels.
A toasted bagel with melty peanut butter on top is not only decadent but relatively healthy. Both things together are energy boosters (but don’t use white bread as that will produce opposite effects). At the same time, warm foods warm the soul. While you are panicking over the fact that you know nothing, enjoy this treat to comfort you in your time of distress. Peanut butter and bagels goes well with tea and coffee.
Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors will hold the next several spots because each one deserves it. Go ahead and splurge on the $5 pint of ice cream that will last five minutes. It’s worth it. Life’s too short to save money.
4. Brewed to matter.
It's coffee ice cream. It’s that single point that deserves a coveted spot on the list. But people this is Ben and Jerry’s so wait, there’s more! This flavor also has fudge chunks and brownie batter swirl. This has “finals week” written all over it for me. I suggest you buy 1 pint per all-nighter. A warm cup of coffee was made to go with this.
P.S. If you are in desperate need for help with your life, try Coffee, Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz! It features espresso beans.
5. Batter flavors.
If you are a batter person (cake batter, cookie dough, etc), than this is the point for you! Cake Batter, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cinnamon Buns and Half Baked (my personal favorite). These flavors will do nothing but comfort you. Finals week is for comfort food! Pairs well with other ice creams, tea and coffee.
6. Chocolate flavors.
Most Ben and Jerry flavors have chocolate in them so there are options up the wazoo. Chocolate Therapy is the #1 flavor I recommend because it has pudding in it and the word “therapy” in the title. As expensive as the pint is, it is cheaper than a therapist. Everything But The… is the perfect modge podge of feelings in the form of ice cream. Get your giant spoon and dig in because it’s going to be a heck of a week. Phish Food has marshmallows in it. And The Tonight Dough is the only ice cream or food allowed to be consumed when Jimmy Fallon is on the TV in your room at 11:35 p.m. You’ll want to be watching the Tonight Show because you will need to laugh in the midst of your tears. Coffee and wine please!
7. Non-chocolate flavors.
If you aren’t the chocolate type but aren’t the vanilla type either. Blueberry Vanilla Graham Greek Frozen Yogurt is a perfect option of your fruit, protein, ice cream and crunch. This is easily ruled as “healthy.” Strawberry Cheesecake and Strawberry Not So Shortcake to get that fruity dessert because, again, anything with a fruit is healthy. Then if you are in Texas, you are apparently really special because you can get Bourbon Pecan Pie, featuring bourbon ice cream and whiskey caramel swirl. You’re so welcome. Drink options are open, so again, you’re welcome.
8. Nachos, tacos, burritos and queso.
Mexican lunches, dinners, snacks, just because meals are wonderful anyways but finals week makes them better. You are earning that taco! You deserve those nachos! The semester is almost over and you are kicking butt, get the guac! Indulge in the queso! And don’t you think of leaving Chipotle without chips! Maybe you get to the line at your local Mexican restaurant and can’t decide, what the hey, get both! Mexican food does not pair well with any drink highly consumed during finals week. Tea and Mexican food do not work in any way, shape, or form.
9. Fruit.
This is so cheesy but fruit is a great thing to have leading up to and during finals week. Your stress and sleepless nights depleted your body, making your immune system suffer. Fruits give you the Vitamin C to fight back. The last thing you want is to be sick. Any way you can get the C, do it! Try to avoid melons, though, because a recent report said that cantaloupes, watermelons and honeydews are equivalent to pouring sugar in your mouth. Isn’t that so sad?! Fruit goes well with everything. Naturally.
10. Yogurt.
The perfect way to start the morning of your finals or end your day. Add fruits, granola and chocolate for a lovely breakfast. Add granola and extra chocolate for a dessert. Low fat, high protein Greek yogurt is fabulous and there are so many options. If you think you don’t like it, you are wrong. It has everything you need nutrition wise and you can add the works to it for any time of the day or season of life. Lovely, right? Yogurt pairs well with sweet white wines, energy drinks and tea.
11. Strawberries and Nutella.
Indulge in some Nutella and strawberries after the week is done. Whether you passed it by the skin of your teeth or flat out bombed it, Nutella is there for you and strawberries are sexy. If you can’t wait until the end of the week to treat yourself, do it after each test or after each hour of studying. Whatever floats your boat. It’s obvious that strawberries and Nutella pairs with, Wine!
Cheers to little sleeping and lots of eating!
