Eating for Exams
Constant revision and study are vital when preparing for your exams. But did you know that what you eat has a huge effect on your academic performance?
Fact 1: Nutrition can affect concentration, memory and recall – all essential when it comes to learning and reproducing your knowledge on the big day.
Fact 2: Omega–3 fats are needed for brain growth and development and help maintain memory and concentration. You can get these Omega 3 fats in oil rich food such as trout, mackerel, salmon and sardines
Fact 3: Eggs help your memory. Choline which is found mainly in eggs helps to keep memory at its best. Eating 3-4 eggs a week should give you all you need.
How can you get the mental edge?
Have a look at the Food Pyramid and see if you are eating some foods from each food group.
Getting into Good Habits
How you eat is almost as important as what you eat. Get into some good eating habits to see you through your exams:
- Always have breakfast – it boosts concentration and memory and makes it easier to recall what you’ve learned.
- Never skip lunch or dinner- if you miss meals you risk missing out on the essential nutrients your brain needs to work at its best.
- Keep some healthy snacks with you – that way if you get hungry in between meals you can go for something that will give a nutritional boost instead of reaching for sugary snacks. Try fruit, yoghurt, nuts and dried fruit or high fibre cereal bars and smoothies.
- Get some exercise- fresh air is great for clearing your head and you will study better if you get some exercise than if you never do any.
