Brain food

[cw008658]

Does anyone have any tips on what I should eat/drink before a test to help me think?

[marianne202]

The studies that I have read indicate that you should be well hydrated and have a small protein snack. I have also read many studies that indicate that peppermint helps to stimulate the brain and that chewing mint gum or candies can help. The gum chewing along with the peppermint is supposed to help your brain wake up. The protein provides a better equally sustained energy source than would sugar or carbs.

I had a routine before all my exams that included drinking water during the 90 minute drive to my test site, then I would get there about 35-45 prior to my exam time and eat some nuts or string cheese with a handful of blueberries while finishing my bottle of water. Then I would chew some peppermint candy gum then put on Burt's Bee's peppermint lip balm. I know this may sound like a silly ritual, but it worked. I was seldom thirty or hungry during the exams and I was able to focus, even on a day when I was very tired and dozed off during the exam, I still passed them all! This is what worked for me after doing some research and trial and error. Good luck!

[BELLA]

string cheese?

i have been weaning myself off string cheese but if there is a benefit i don't mind going back

The studies that I have read indicate that you should be well hydrated and have a small protein snack. I have also read many studies that indicate that peppermint helps to stimulate the brain and that chewing mint gum or candies can help. The gum chewing along with the peppermint is supposed to help your brain wake up. The protein provides a better equally sustained energy source than would sugar or carbs.

I had a routine before all my exams that included drinking water during the 90 minute drive to my test site, then I would get there about 35-45 prior to my exam time and eat some nuts or string cheese with a handful of blueberries while finishing my bottle of water. Then I would chew some peppermint candy gum then put on Burt's Bee's peppermint lip balm. I know this may sound like a silly ritual, but it worked. I was seldom thirty or hungry during the exams and I was able to focus, even on a day when I was very tired and dozed off during the exam, I still passed them all! This is what worked for me after doing some research and trial and error. Good luck!

[scorched]

Protein!! not carbs..

My daily diet consists of 70% protein, 20% carb, 10% fats. This with ZERO exercise dropped me 20lbs, and mentally I feel as good as I did 20 years ago.
Although my recent 54 on tech writing would not reflect that! hilarious

[CLEPitgirl]

I opt to take the tests in the morning usually around 9am. Reason being is your brain tends to slow down a bit after noon (siesta time). On testing day, if the weather's nice, I like to go for a quick jog around the block to get my blood pumping, and wake up my brain. I also don't eat a big breakfast. I don't think I could even if I tried because I get so nervous. My breakfast would consist of a big glass of water, my daily vitamins, a glass of carrot juice or a homemade smoothie, and some toast. I also drink water on the way to the testing center. (With all that liquid don't forget to use the restroom before the test). I hope this helps.

[keithk]

No heavy foods, just a banana and/or apple is my pre-test food of choice.

I definitely prefer my tests in the morning too. I just found out my local testing center is staying open until the evening for the next few months though, so I'll be experimenting with tests after work so I don't have to keep taking vacation days. Hopefully I can still do ok. I have found I do well on the first half of afternoon tests because of the "excitement", but my focus decreases if the test goes more than an hour or so. I don't think I have that same problem when taking tests in the morning.

[MISin08]

I test on Monday or Tuesday morning (I have a weekday job so I want to be fresh. YMMV.) I like to clear my afternoon calendar the day of the test.
By Friday of the week before the test I am as ready as I am going to be, so apart from light review no studying -- above all no all-nighters. I know where I am going, where to park, the money aspects of the exam are squared away. I take the weekend 'off'.
Light-to zero alcohol, moderate to lite caffeine, if you use either. I use ginkgo biloba daily but I don't know that it makes a difference in my test performance.
Proteinacious, plenty of vegetables meals on the weekend. Moderate physical activity is good. Above all have experiences that make you feel competent and like a winner.
Have a light but adequate breakfast the morning of the test, moderate caffeine (for me) -- don't short yourself or get yourself wired, plenty of water especially if you use coffee, it's a diuretic; carry some granola bars with honey or cane sugar, if any sweetener, along with you for sustenance just before the test. (Your brain likes glucose -- not HFCS -- but too much is not good.) Ensure you wont need a bathroom break during. Treat yourself to lunch after.

Phillip

[jmichelle79]

I should follow some of your advice, perhaps I would score better.
I usually take a test after working a 10hr night shift fueled by coffee.

[CLEPitgirl]

I should follow some of your advice, perhaps I would score better.
I usually take a test after working a 10hr night shift fueled by coffee.

Yes by the looks of it, you need a change.:iagree:

[Prloko]

LOL! What in the world?

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