Exams - What's best to eat

With the start of summer comes exam time. We often put in long hours of study following by hours of exams where we need to be at our best mentally.

The right food will help improve concentration and memory. Include these foods in your daily routine to help your brain cope better.

Top Ten Brain boosting foods

• Whole grains - brown bread, brown pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, lentils
• Oily Fish - Salmon, trout, mackerel
• Seeds - pumpkin seeds enhance memory and thinking skills
• Nuts - Great snack option e.g Almonds, walnut
• Healthy fats e.g. Olive Oil, avocados
• Eggs - Scrambled eggs and wholemeal toast soldiers!
• Avocados - good fats
• Berries - blue berries, strawberries & raspberries
• Dark Chocolate - if you need a chocolate hit - keep the cacao solid content as high as possibl
• Veg- e.g asparagus, broccoli, spinach & raw carrots

Here are some of my top tips and recipes

1.Make sure you eat. Even if you are nervous make sure you eat, breakfast is so important, even if you usually skip it, try to get up early and eat some breakfast before the exam. If you have time these banana and blueberry pancakes are delicious!


2.Keep Hydrated. Make sure you drink enough water before the exam and bring some in with you. Dehydration can sap your energy, make you loose concentration. Avoid alcohol around exam time. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.


3.Eat low GI foods. Eat foods that will keep you fuelled for a long time. Wholegrains mixed with protein is a good option, This video on how to make Dahl is ideal. Make it at the beginning of the week and you will have a substantial, low gi lunch ready for each day.


4.Snack intelligently. Carry healthy snacks such as nuts and seeds and fruit, avoid sugary snacks as these will raise your blood sugars but then you will get a sugar slump. These toasted seeds are fantastic, easy to make, taste delicious and can be stored in a jar to offer you brain power when you need it most! I like to refer to them as a jar of awesomeness! I also have a video here.


5.Get enough sleep. This is so important, to do well in an exam you need adequate, restful sleep. Turn off all screens 90 mins before going to bed, do some gentle exercise and best of luck!