While stressing over finals, eating healthy is the last thing on most students’ minds. But nutritionists always advise that eating smart can make that much of a difference in test performance. It is hopelessly cliched, but true nonetheless — you are what you eat. So if that final exam will make or break you, make sure you consume what does the body good. Here’s some food for thought.
The incredible, edible egg: Eating eggs the night before or the morning of your exam may enhance your test-taking skills. According to a 1999 study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences, the nutrient choline, which is naturally present in eggs, boosts memory activity. Foods rich in protein are ideal for sharper brain activity, and eggs are a perfect solution to preparing a quick meal before a test.
Drink your blues away: Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which are known to boost memory by acting as an anti-clogging agent in blood vessels, according to a study by Tufts University. Blueberry smoothies can be ideal if you have the time to grab one before an exam, but another option is Naked Juice, which offers blueberry-banana juices among others.
These will surely provide the energy and the thinking power needed for finals.
Digestion drag: Food coma, the feeling of excessive fatigue felt after you eat certain foods, is a test- taker’s worst nightmare. You can feel its onset the moment you sit down, sensing the sleepiness and dreading it. You can prevent this. Refrain from eating foods that are heavy and packed with fatty meats, such as breakfast burritos. It is your brain that must concentrate, not your stomach. Instead, try having some fruit, a slice of toast or a bagel with cream cheese. Anything with light carbohydrate content will do. Save the hearty meal until after the exam.
Back-to-back boogie: So you just completed your organic chemistry final and you literally have 10 minutes until your next one. What do you do? You had no time to eat breakfast before your 11 a.m. final, and now it’s almost 3 p.m. You are famished, but should you rush and grab something at a dining hall, or spend those precious few moments cramming for the next exam and eat nothing at all? If you would rather study before an exam and skip a meal, try packing slices of apples or carrots. If you are really ambitious, make a sandwich for at least a bite to eat between finals. The worst thing you can possibly do is eat nothing and toil away on an empty stomach.
Caffeine cravings and crashes: Caffeine seems like your best friend during finals, but be careful. Do not rely on its magical effects too much, because like so many nice things, they do not last. You think you use caffeine for its temporary merits, but in actuality, it only uses you. Numerous studies show that caffeine only tires the body even more after its stimulating qualities are used up. But despite their backstabbing qualities, caffeinated drinks have a momentary charm. Red Bull and Starbucks Double Shot espresso drinks are popular options. According to a nutrition article in BBC News, however, espresso has a slightly lower caffeine content than most coffee drinks. Espresso is made with a quick blast of steam, while brewed or percolated coffee infuses caffeine more heavily.
Aside from genuine and devoted studying, the secret to success in finals is a good night’s rest. It cannot be expressed enough that resting the mind and body before cracking down to a three-hour exam is an ideal way to prepare, and committing to coffee may make this difficult.
