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Q: How do I make sure I’m getting enough protein? I’m vegetarian and it feels like I have to force myself to eat beans whenever they’re at the bon or else I might end up hungry or tired before the next meal.
A: Bon beans are definitely not the yummiest of meals, plus no one wants to eat beans 24/7. You’ve probably turned to the tofu/soy options at the Bon; These are not my favorite. Fortunately, there are plenty more options for protein consumption other than the stereotypical bean and tofu/soy course. Quinoa or wholegrain rice are great sources of protein. Seeds of Change is one of my favorite brands for instant Quinoa! You can find it at Fred Meyer. Either quinoa or whole wheat rice paired with some zucchini or sweet potato would make a delicious and nutritious meal. If you are into beans but just don't like what is being served at the Bon, I would recommend a date with a steamy cup of Lentil soup and True Blood on HBOMax. There are also some mouthwatering recipes out there for bean salads/pasta salads with beans. Some healthy snack ideas with plenty of protein are things like sunflower seeds, peanuts or walnuts (my mom makes a great Rum Cake with Walnuts that is guaranteed to make you smile), whole wheat bread, and eggs. One of my favorite easy and inexpensive meals to make for breakfast is whole wheat toast with a fried egg on top and some tomatoes on the side. We love simple and delicious! I too have struggled to incorporate protein and fiber into my diet simply because of an inaccessibility to food on campus. It can also be very difficult to get to the grocery store especially without a car. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles when you’re a college student. Don’t worry though. At the end of the day, there is protein in a lot of different foods and protein is not the only thing that can help make you feel full; Foods high in fiber will also help to satiate your appetite. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber like apples and arugula that you can find at the Bon. Also, if you’re hungry but you’ve just eaten, go hunt down some snacks to satiate yourself. There is never any harm in snacking! Some of my favorite snacks are fruit, nuts, sesame seaweed, popcorn, and Kind bars.
Q: If presented with the choice of getting enough sleep or finishing homework what should we do? Especially if it’s a constant issue.
A: I think this answer will always be situationally dependent. It is important to try and maintain a balance between sleep and homework/work; however, this is not always possible. Therefore, my best advice for this would be to play it by ear. If you have been assigned a reading for the morning but you need to go to sleep, consider the worst case scenario for not completing that assignment. Are there any deliverables for the assignment? Do you have to lead a discussion on that article? Will anyone be the wiser if you skim the article for main takeaways and then call it a day? These are questions I ask myself when choosing between assignments and sleep (or any form of self-care for that matter). You don’t have to exhaust yourself in order to do your best work. In fact, it is quite the opposite. There are many cognitive benefits that come with getting more sleep like an increase in memory and attention functionalities. Remember, it is always okay to nap especially if you are actively choosing work over sleep. If you’re really exhausted, drop what you’re doing and take a 20 minute nap; Napping might give you that much needed burst of energy. If you’re someone who knows napping won’t affect your ability to sleep at night, perhaps you should set a nap into your everyday routine for preemptive measures. At the end of the day, all of our bodies are different so some strategies might work for some that don’t work for others. This is totally okay! Play around with your routine and find out what works best for you. People are always saying “work smarter not harder”. What exactly does this mean? First, always focus on assignments that are being graded. This way, your grade will not suffer because you chose sleep over homework; this strategy will also help you sleep more soundly. After you’ve gotten your R&R, turn your attention to those textbook chapters, journal articles, or book pages that your professor assigned. Sometimes it helps to keep track of the content that you didn’t spend time on so you’re cognizant of those areas for when you’re studying for your quizzes or exams. When in doubt, reach out for help. Friends, classmates, professors, advisors, all of these people are available to help if/when you are in need. Maybe form a study group with some classmates to go over content in class or in the homework that you either missed or were unsure of. Head on down to your professor’s office hours and pick their brain or if you feel like you really need one, speak to your professor or your advisor about a potential extension. Finding a balance between work and life can be overwhelming and stressful. I, myself have had many freak outs about schoolwork and life in general. When in doubt, drop whatever is stressing you out and partake in some self-care. It might sound contradictory but taking some time for yourself will help your academic performance. I always think more clearly after some anime and chill!
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