Foods to keep me going during exams?
 

(sorry if this has been posted before)

I'm doing my last year of exams (A-levels), last year I read somwhere it is a good idea to eat blueberries and other foods that potentially boost memory.

I was wondering which foods are good to keep my energy levels and alertness going - whilst trying to keep losing weight on the agenda lol

I ate loads of sugary/junk foods last year because I was so depressed and nervous about my exams - I just don't want to make that mistake again

:chef:

note: I'm not a night studier so I don't try to drink too much caffeine, I work best during the day

Popcorn here's a Huge all day snack to munch on while figuring out what else to eat. Try to Learn to eat it plain or with a 1/2 tsp. of *salt. Popcorn is considered a whole grain.

1/2 cup Popcorn, raw, air popped:

Calories 220
Carbohydrates 52g
Fats 2g
Protein 8g

* Neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN says, because there is so much salt in canned and processed foods that we eat everyday it's wise not to use over 1/2 tsp. of salt per day.

Eat plenty of protein and low fat nutritious foods. Get plenty of sleep. Jerky is a nice snack if you don't mind the sodium. Don't drink sugary coffee or energy drinks because they will make you crash hours later. Green tea may be helpful in moderation. Don't use the stress as an excuse to eat unhealthy, because it will sap your energy and make you feel like crap. Drink plenty of water, try to squeeze in some exercise, and meditate. I'm a grad student so I know a little bit about what I'm talking about here. ;)

Nothing in the short term will help boost your memory, some foods have stimulating properties which some people class as a memory aid. As the above poster I have been there done that with the exams, keep hydrated. Your brain is 85% water and a lot of acute memory loss can be attributed to dehydration, which is why it is no good to load up on energy drinks and caffeine.

In terms of snacks, high protein and fibrous fruit will go a long way

Yes go with a few raw nuts and fruit. No fat Greek yogurt with fruit is another good choice.

Exercise is great for the brain.

Fat is good for your brain!! Don't cut out healthy fats!

I agree about the water and fat. Sip on water throughout the day. Maybe eat an avocado, chicken and veggie sandwich. Wild Atlantic Salmon with raw dark green veggies would seem like a good choice too. Hard boiled eggs are easy to reach for too. Generally, try to avoid refined sugar.

Prevent hunger by eating whole grains, protein, tuna, because hunger distracts me from studying. I don't know how I'm going to avoid caffeine- I need it! But I flush it out with green tea and water by late day. Because sleep is much more important I believe, for me, even though I'm not doing it right now by being online
Taking omega-3 fats is good too, but I'm taking it for my eyes

Healthy trail mix, greek yogurt, string cheese, raw veggies, fresh fruit, tons of water!

I would also recommend you drinking coffee.

drink plenty of water, and eat a banana before the exam! it helps :)

I say that drinking plenty of water and making smoothies should help. Use ingredients like blueberries, blackberries, avocados, bananas, etc. Look on pinterest there's so many recipes you can find. Plus make sure you get enough sleep!

I crammed/passed for an exam that should take 4+ months to study for in 1 month with 12 hour a day study sessions. Granted I also wasn't working at the time.

This is what I did:
Woke up on a consistent schedule and did a quick 10 minute workout to get my endorphins up.
Drank a breakfast smoothie with greens/coconut water/some fruit or ate a poached egg, berries and 1/2 an avocado.
I also took Gingko plus memory booster vitamins/Omega 3/fish oil/ and vitamins with bacopa to increase the blood brain barrier and circulation.

I ate lean proteins, snacked on lots of blueberries (good antioxidants) and took another 45 minute walk mid-day while listening to audio study tapes.

I also drank copious amounts of water all day.

I did have a coffee each morning because caffeine can help alertness, but keep it black coffee with sugar substitute and don't drink it all day. Skip it within 4 hours of the exam...cause nobody needs those extra nerves, trust me.

Take food atleast 1 hour before exam. Avoid foods like potatoes which lead for more gas formation in your stomach which will make you uncomfortable. Have food in a limited quantity where the quantity never exceeds the normal. If it is allowed, have candies in between the exam also keep a bottle of water with you.