Great for snacking whilst studying, these ingredients have alternatives to suit all tastes and store cupboards.

In addition, our blog How to Reduce Stress and help concentration levels with Nutrition written by CNM graduate Candice Behan, explains some of the best evidence-based foods for improving brain function and how to cope with stress effectively.

Ingredients:

190g walnut nut butter for the brain-boosting omega-3 – try Carly’s walnut butter or Nutcessity’s Date & Walnut butter

40g ground oats, a good slow-release carb (gluten-free alternative: coconut flour)
½ tsp cinnamon (alternative: ginger or fennel. All are renowned to settle nervous tummies)

Dash of maple syrup or honey to taste

1 mashed banana, which contains fatigue-fighting potassium and tummy-settling pectin (alternative: 6 soaked and finely chopped prunes – containing both potassium and iron or 2 tbsp stewed apple – also containing pectin)

20g linseed – also called flaxseed – for rolling, which is a good source of omega 3. Include sesame seed for some stress-busting magnesium

Method:

Blend the nut butter, ground oats, banana, spice and syrup using a fork until the consistency will hold a ball shape.

If the mix is too dry, incrementally add more nut butter or banana. If the mix is too wet, add more oats a bit at a time.

Roll a tablespoonful of the mixture into a ball. Gently but firmly roll the ball in a saucer containing the linseeds, so that it’s covered evenly with seeds.

Store in the fridge, but take them out at least 30 minutes before eating.