Food and studying go hand in hand. But not just food in general— healthy food! Many recent studies have shown that both healthy eating and eating before working are crucial for a well functioning brain. According to CNN, a new study published in the journal Neurology supports “the long standing notion that eating a healthy diet could potentially be linked to a lower risk of memory and thinking decline.” For high school students, eating well and at the right times is particularly important. Eating well gives us energy, keeps us healthy, and helps our mental stimulation. The website Ivy College of Health and Wellbeing gives a list of the positive impacts on immunity, blood sugar, and the importance of nutrients to prevent depression. So, here are some recipes using nutritious and tasty ingredients that will help you stay fueled and focused.

Recipe #1: Avocado Toast

The artisanal toast craze is highly prominent in San Francisco. Since the basic recipe is pretty self-explanatory, we’re offering a few variations to help spice up your avocado toast-eating experience.

Ingredients—

• Basic Avocado Toast: 1 slice of your favorite bread (we suggest Josey Baker Bread, sold at The Mill on Divisadero)
• ½ ripe avocado
• Salt & Pepper

Variation 1: Toast bread to desired firmness. Add greens of choice (arugula, spinach, kale). Place sliced avocado over bed of greens. Top with fried (or poached) egg. Apply pinch of red chili flakes, salt and pepper.

Variation 2: Toast bread and spread liberally with hummus. Slice avocado and place on toast. Layer on thinly sliced cucumber. Top with pinch of sesame seeds.

Variation 3: Toast bread until crispy. Scoop out flesh of avocado and add ½ cup cooked quinoa*. Mash to combine. Spread mixture on toast. Crumble on feta cheese and garnish with fresh mint and lemon zest.

*For extra flavor, prepare quinoa with cumin

Recipe #2: Vegan Banana Date Smoothie

Here’s a quick fix for anyone on a vegan or lactose-free diet! With dates acting as a natural sweetener and frozen bananas building a creamy consistency, this drink is rich, refreshing and delicious without any added sugar.

Ingredients—

• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, soy)
• 2 ripe bananas, frozen
• 6-8 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• (½ cup crushed ice)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in high-speed blender and blend until smooth*. Add crushed ice as needed for desired consistency.

*Small chunks of dates may remain.

Recipe #3: Roasted & Spiced Chickpeas

High in protein and numerous vitamins, these crunchy chickpeas make a simple and satisfying snack. Experiment with different flavors by tossing in your favorite spices!

Ingredients—

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Spices or herbs of choice (Sweet— Cinnamon, Nutmeg; Savory— Rosemary, Garlic powder; Spicy— Paprika, Cayenne)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Drain and rinse chickpeas, then pat dry. Toss chickpeas in olive oil and preferred spices. Roast on sheet pan for 30-40 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, until exterior is golden and crispy. Enjoy while warm!