Food for thought

Lacking concentration and motivation you say? No need to fear, DOLLY is here with the top 10 foods, recommended by nutritionist Catherine Saxelby, that will see you breeze through your day.
1. Tea
All hyped up and no where to go? Swap those cans of V energy drink and cups of coffee for a soothing cuppa tea. Unlike coffee, tea makes you feel alert, but still relaxed thanks to the L-theanine component. Tea will give you a great antioxidant boost, which will help you manage stress fast. It also keeps you hydrated and refreshed.

2. Citrus fruits
Fruits like oranges, mandarins and tangelos are also packed full of antioxidants. And you know what that does for you! As well as giving you a boost, citrus fruits also warn off colds and flu.

3. Green leafy vegies
Instead of pigging out on pizzas and fast foods while you're studying, try eating grilled chicken or steak with a stir fry or salad made from bok choy, spinach and other dark salad leaves. Add some garlic and lemon juice and you've got one tasty dish.

4. Almonds
Swap sweet snacks for healthy ones like raw nuts and seeds. Almonds are ideal as they're both delicious and will keep your attention levels up. Almonds are packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, magnesium and the amino acid arginine. It's a great idea to keep a jar or zip-lock bag stocked with almonds or trail mix on hand for when cravings kick in.

5. Yoghurt
Need a sugar hit to get you through? Do yourself a favour and stay away from ice cream and lollies and steer yourself toward that healthy tub of low-fat yoghurt (Attiki is best). Yoghurt contains friendly bacteria to keep your insides in tip top shape. If straight-up yoghurt is too much for you, try mixing it with muesli and berries.

6. Grainy bread
The wonder about white bread is that it's had all the goodness bleached out of it. When you're reaching for the bread basket next time go for the wholegrain option. It contains low glycaemic Index for longer-lasting energy and carbs for brain fuel.

7.Oily fish
Imagine if there was something you could eat to make you remember all those facts you're cramming into your brain. Holy nutritional genius, Batman, there is! Oily fish like canned salmon, sardines and tuna contain zinc for memory and a strong immune system and omega 3 and iodine, which make the brain function. Break up the fishy taste by eating them on crackers with sliced tomato or in a salad.

8. Baked beans
Beans may be the musical fruit that make you toot, but they're also a great study-break food. Baked beans are low GI for longer energy, full of carbs for brain fuel and packed with fibre to make you feel full for longer and for intestinal health.

9. Carrots
You know that old myth that carrots make you see better? Well, we've got some news for you - it's actually true! Carrots contain beta-carotene (an antioxidant and the colour orange) needed for eyesight, along with fibre and the mineral potassium for nerve function. Make this snack a bit more interesting by chopping up the carrots and eating them with hummus dip.

10. Red meat
Feeling tired on the job may mean that your body is low in iron. The best way to increase your iron intake is to eat meat like beef and lamb. The iron found in red meat will keep your blood energised with oxygen, and in turn, will help you to overcome tiredness.