Now that Finals Week is beginning and the stress is piling on, students are raiding their cabinets in search of their favorite study buddy: food. Stress and eating go hand in hand, so students stock up on food to prepare for the most stressful week of the college year.

Junk food seems the be the most popular choices for students. "I love chips," said Justin Adkins, a senior accounting major at West Virginia University. "I know it’s not very healthy, but they’re so good and easy to snack on while I’m studying. I don’t have to take time to fix anything."

While some students opt for easy snack foods, others take a break from studying to enjoy an actual meal in-between studying. "I eat a can of tuna," said Seth Hoblitzell, a senior nursing major. "I’m still a college student just studying, so I’m eating on a budget. I’ll be able to pay for the steak later."

Junk food is often the easiest and most affordable food, but not the best choice to stimulate your brain or promote a healthy lifestyle, according to Erin Beck, WVU graduate assistant and member of WELL WVU. Beck said students need to pay more attention when choosing their snacks, because some foods will leave you tired and interrupt your study habits.

"It’s tempting to order pizza or snack on chips, but carb-heavy foods aren’t the best options," Beck said. "Students will feel better if they snack on healthy choices like fruits and vegetables." Beck said students should stay away from salty foods that leave them feeling "dehydrated and lethargic." "It’s a good idea to give your mind a rest and take a break from studying to have an actual meal," Beck said.

Beck’s snack tips for students are substituting trail mix for chips and snacking on nuts because they’re considered a "brain food". Almonds boost memory and walnuts help to think clearly. When searching your cabinets in your final days of the school year, try to make healthy choices and avoid foods that will make you feel full and sleepy.