1 min read
Homework Fuel
In "Homework Fuel," we dive into every student's eternal struggle—what counts as proper brain food when you're trying to power through assignments?
Aari's tired, needs to stay sharp, and asks for brain fuel. Zara, her best friend, offers an apple (and honestly, those gut bacteria are probably cheering). But let's be real—when stress hits and deadlines loom, our cravings don't always align with what our microbiome ordered.
Why we crave what we crave: Your gut bacteria literally influence your food cravings. The beneficial microbes that thrive on fiber-rich foods like apples produce compounds that enhance focus, memory, and mood—exactly what you need for homework. Meanwhile, stress hormones can hijack your brain's reward system, making processed foods feel more appealing.
Here's what's honest about this strip: it captures that internal negotiation we all have between what we know is good for us and what feels good in the moment. Your "second brain" in your gut has strong opinions about homework fuel, but sometimes your stressed-out actual brain just wants those chips.
The truth? Both choices are valid. That apple feeds the bacteria that support sustained mental energy. Those chips provide quick glucose that your brain craves under pressure. The real homework fuel might be learning to listen to both voices and finding a balance that works.
Maybe the best study snack is the one that doesn't come with a side of guilt.
Read the full comic below 👇.png?width=940&height=403&name=zara%20and%20omie%20comic%20%2335%20-%20homework%20fuel%20(1).png)
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