How to Eat Properly Before an Exam

By eHow Education Editor

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Preparing yourself physically and mentally for an exam is just as important as learning the material. You must make sure you eat properly before the test, so you can focus on answering questions correctly and not on your hunger pains or fatigue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy
Step1
Eat a well-balanced meal before the actual exam. If your exam is in the morning, give yourself time to eat breakfast. Include protein and fruit to provide energy.
Step2
Fill yourself with protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, yogurt and cottage cheese during breakfast and lunch on the day of the test. The benefits will last throughout the day.
Step3
Keep each meal light, as heavy dishes will cause you to be drowsy. Skip dessert if you aren't hungry. The last thing you need is to fall asleep during a test.
Step4
Skip the caffeine as a meal substitute. Avoiding caffeine all together (if you normally drink it) may cause headaches, but you shouldn't overdo it. Overdosing on coffee and energy drinks may cause you to become too jittery and then crash. Try green tea as a natural caffeine addition to your diet.
Step5
Drink a protein shake, smoothie or other healthy energy drink if you are too nervous to eat. This gives you the energy you need to keep going until you can eat properly.
Step6
Keep healthy snacks like protein bars and fruit in your bag to munch on between tests. Keep your energy up without resorting to sugary treats, which may cause quick bursts of energy leading to a crash.
Step7
Take a multivitamin every day. Omega-3s and B vitamins increase brain functionality, but you also need a full range of nutrients to keep your body healthy.
Step8
Moderate your drinking during exams. Excessive alcohol causes fatigue, headaches and general lack of focus. Try not to drink at all the night before a test.
Step9
Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated before and during an exam. Dehydration may cause you to loose focus or feel sick during the test.

Tips & Warnings

  • Block out time for meals in your study schedule, so you have time to eat properly before each exam. Keep a normal eating schedule throughout finals week, so you do not end up with low blood sugar from eating poorly. Your brain will function better.
  • Avoid trying new food or supplements before tests. Anything out of the ordinary may cause adverse reactions, so stick to what you know. This is also a good time to skip any food that has caused you problems in the past.

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eHow Article: How to Eat Properly Before an Exam

eHow Education Editor

eHow Education Editor

Category: Education

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