Exam Success at CSU
Eating Tips for Exam Day
Breakfast
Start the day by eating breakfast. It will dramatically improve your energy levels and the amount of nutrients in your diet. Great breakfast foods include porridge, whole grain cereals with milk (dairy, soy or rice milk), wholegrain toast, yoghurt, fresh fruit juice and milk and they are all excellent foods. They contain fast acting carbohydrates, which will help you feel bright and alert, and slow release carbs to help keep your concentration up throughout the morning. If you get little sleep or if you study late the night before then include some protein in your breakfast as protein rich foods will help you stay alert. For a good high protein breakfast try eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese on toast and don't forget to add some fresh juice.
Can't handle the thought of breakfast
If you really cant stomach breakfast don't go empty. Try making a smoothy with milk (dairy, soy or rice milk), some fresh fruit and nuts.
Lunch
Make sure lunch is light and not a heavy meal particularly if you have an afternoon exam when you will be sitting for 2-3 hours. Good lunch choices are meat and salad sandwiches, healthy wraps, yoghurt, rolls and salads. If you feel like something hot, opt for soup and sandwich with fresh juice. Avoid large high fat meals, which will make you feel tired and sluggish.
Drinks
Sipping on an isotonic sports drink during an exam can improve your concentration. Isotonic drinks contain glucose and this is the primary fuel of the brain. A steady supply of glucose has been associated with improved concentration and focus. Because these drinks are absorbed quickly then blood glucose levels are kept topped up. Ensure that you keep your water intake up too!
Snacks
If you eat high sugary foods before your exam you may find that you will feel sluggish soon after eating them so try and avoid lollies and quick sugar fixes! If you need to snack choose nuts, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cheese and crackers.