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Feed your
brain
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If you are about to
take exams, now is the time to think about whether you are
eating the right foods to help your brain function properly.
Yes, it is true. What you eat can make a difference to your
performance in an exam. The right foods can help your levels of
concentration, ensure you sleep more soundly and lower your
anxiety level. So get eating!
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What sorts
of food will help?
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The brain is powered
by energy and this come from food when it’s broken down. The
main source of energy for the brain is glucose whish comes from
carbohydrate-rich foods like cereals, breads and pasta. The
brain’s energy strong is also very small, so in order to keep it
functioning at its best, it needs constant glucose replacement.
That is it is important not to diet during revision and to try
and eat healthily.
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Snack attack
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Avoid sugar,
chocolates, sweets, biscuits and other foods that are high in
sugar. You might think they will give you an energy boost, but
it is short lived and can leave you feeling more tired than
before. Limit crisps although they don’t contain sugar, their
fat content can make them hand for a nervous stomach to digest.
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• When you feel as
though you need a snack, make sure you leave the room and take
proper break to rest and feed your brain. Try;
• Fresh and dried fruits
• A sandwich
• A bowl of soup
• A place of cheese
• Unsalted nuts
• Yoghurt
• A fresh-fruit smoothie
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Drinks to help |
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Keep yourself
hydrated. Studies have shown that kids who drink plenty of water
have an easier time concentrating, taking in information and
doing mental arithmetic, also suffering from fewer headaches.
Keep a glass and jug of tap or bottled water on your desk while
studying, and if you can’t stand ordinary water, the second best
option is flavor it with a little pure fruit squash.
Sugary drinks are better avoided as they can cause your energy
levels to drop soon after drinking them
Try and drink plenty of water on the morning of an exam, but
allow enough time for it to work its way through your system
before your going in to your exam, so you don’t need the look
all the way through!
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Stress busters |
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Make sure you take
time out for meals, don’t try to work when you’re dinner and
snacking. You will feel much fresher when you go back revising.
Don’t resort to caffeine tablets. They can increase your anxiety
levels and stop you from sleeping. Remember that exercise and
socializing in moderation are good stress relievers.
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The night before |
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Starchy foods like rice,
potatoes and bread are great ‘night before’ meals to promote good
sleep. A drink of milk that is warm or cold can help you sleep. Some
people think that it is because milk contains the amino acid
1-Trytophan, which can help you feel sleepy. Avoid coffee, tea and
cola now as they may prevent you from sleeping soundly. |
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D-day breakfast |
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On the morning of your
exam have a high protein or high fiber breakfast like eggs, beans or
toast or else a slowly absorbed, and whole-grain cereal like
porridge, mussel, or corn flakes. But if you are feeling to nervous
to eat much a couple of bananas, some raisins or a fruit smoothie
will help to keep you going |
