I don’t really like the school lunches because they’re not really as healthy as I’d like them to be. I also don’t want to starve throughout the day. What should I do?

-Apple Juice

Dear Apple Juice,

I would suggest two things for someone in your situation. 1) If you really don’t like the lunch on one day, explore the salad bar, sandwich bar, fruit stand, etc. That being said, a small salad is not going to enough to sustain you until you get home, especially if you are involved in athletics, so add in some grilled chicken or hummus for protein. You can bring healthy snacks from home so you can snack throughout the day and stay satiated. I would suggest things like carrots, celery, nuts, kale chips, or even dried fruit (but  ask for permission before eating in class!). You can even grab a piece of fruit to take with you for those 2 PM slumps we all tend to get. 2) If school lunches really, really don’t fit with your eating habits, you can always pack a lunch from home. Just make sure that you use ice packs or thermoses to regulate the temperature of your food.

I don’t really like studying for tests and things. I always do badly even if I do study. What should I do?

-Frustrated

Dear Frustrated,

I don’t think anyone really enjoys studying for tests, so you’re definitely not alone there! I think you should find what works for you in terms of study strategies. If you don’t feel comfortable using one strategy, that strategy is not going to be useful. I suggest trying out different methods and finding what helps you the most. Here are a few tips:

* Stay active in class – Pay undivided attention in class, take notes, as a lot of questions, and review your notes before an assessment.

* Read the textbook, answer questions from the textbook, and clarify any areas of doubt from your teacher

* Watch YouTube videos, Khan Academy videos, and take lots of online quizzes and tests.

* Study in a group where you answer each other’s questions and quiz each other on difficult materials.

* Change up your study location and eliminate distractions. Give your parents your phone so you don’t get distracted by Snapchat, Instagram, etc.

* Try making a study guide on flashcards or paper – sometimes handwriting information helps with memorization better than typing.

* Don’t do all your studying the night before the test. Try spreading it out and starting a few days before, adding new information to what you study each night until you’ve covered everything the night before.

* Stay intensely focused for 30 minutes, then take a break for a few minutes (no phones though!). A tedious night of studying feels shorter and more manageable when it’s broken up.

You can use one of those tips, or a combination of all of them. Learning proper study skills is super important, so good luck!

Love,

Tu Amiga XOXO