What is the ideal food for success in exams?
This is the period where ‘the exam fevers’ are more prevalent than ‘the election fevers’!
Just as the students prepare a time-table chart for studying
different subjects, intake of food also should be planned and practiced as per
the chart.
Too much food is not OK! And too less food is also not OK! Wrong
food habits will harm the health. So, it is better to take good care about the
food during exams.
Parents should be aware about when and what items should be
given. This would greatly reduce the tension and anxiety of the children
writing the exams.
Avoid Anxiety
Usually, the children tend to get anxious during exams. They
won’t eat well. They won’t sleep well also in ththe eagerness to perform well in
the exams. This will cause extra tension in the exam hall. If they take tasty
and healthy food and sleep well, they would perform well in the exams.
Children tend to keep awake long hours in the nights during
exams for extra reading hours. However, it is not wise to avoid sleep and
strain further by reading. Some children also feel hungry. Some won’t feel
hunger at all. The best way is to follow good eating habits.
Protein is good
Food rich in carbohydrates is sleep inductive. Hence, it is
better to give protein rich food. Also, it is better to avoid fatty food items.
Non vegetarian items contain protein. Egg and fish contain less fat and more
protein. This will provide extra energy. Vegetable soups are good. They crate
good appetite and also make the children more active
It is better to maintain regular intervals between each eating
session. Frequent snacking or starving can bs as they would create dullness and
bring sleep.
Usually, it is better to avoid deep-fried or oil rich food. It
is even more avoidable during exams. Especially, avoid oil rich bajjis, bondas,
samosas, and puffs.
Boiled food tems and fibre-rich food are good. It is
better to use wheat without sieving while making chapathis. It is better to
take some fruit juice every day. Or even carrot or beet root juice. Lime juice
is OK.
3 eating sessions
Morning - Idlis
or dosas.
Noon - vegetable
salad, fruit juice (glucose) vitamin or mineral rich vegetables
Iron rich food is recommended. Millet gruel is good. Dates and
milk are also good as they contain iron. Papaya and pomegrenates contain
vitamin D.
Early morning sun is the best source for vitamin D. It is better
go out and get exposed to the early morning sun while walking is a good
physical exercise and providing mental peace as well.
Tender coconut has Potassium and can be taken in the
mornings. It keeps the brain fresh.
For good memory power.
It is better to give vegetables and greens which improve
memorythroughout the year – not necessarily during the exams. Okra (lady’s
fingers), Asiatic Pennywrt (Vallarai green), eggplant, and potato contain
vitamins to give better memory.
It is better to take break in between studies. Indulge in small
house chore activity. Boil milk or cut vegetables or fruits. This will give
some rest to the brain and will help refresh!
