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Feed your Brain: 5 Foods You Need to Ace your Exams

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at KCL chapter.

With the dreaded start of revision season drawing near, it’s easy to get stressed about the amount of work that needs to be done and forget to eat properly. That’s why I’m writing this list of 5 foods you need to ace your exams, which also happen to be the perfect ingredients for fast and delicious meals.

1. Go nuts for your health

Nut Allergies nut cereal
Spoon University

These humble, nutritious gems a true wonder. With their high content of vitamins and proteins, they are a perfect snack for hours of revision. You can also sprinkle them in salads or add them to your smoothie: they’re the perfect pick-me-up in the morning.

2. Oily doesn’t always mean unhealthy

Salmon Rice Bowl salmon seafood
Jocelyn Hsu

Oily fish — such as salmon — are a great weapon when it comes to getting focused and energetic. Generally speaking, fish is a healthier and lighter source of proteins and minerals compared to meat — with the NHS recommending at least two portions of fish per week. 

While a bit pricier than other ingrediets, salmon is extremely easy to cook and it’s perfect paired up with some veg such as courgettes, tomatoes and potatoes. Give it a go and you’ll see you won’t be able to turn it down ever again!

3. Strive for eggcellent grades

hard boiled eggs in an Instant Pot egg Eggs
Caroline Ingalls

Ah, eggs — the one thing I can’t live without. You can cook them however you like, it takes just a couple of minutes to make a whole meal out of them and they’re incredibly nutritious. Full of proteins and vitamins, this little, underrated ingredient will make the most out of your money.

4. Get your sugars in with berries 

Brainpower berry pasture
Jocelyn Hsu

We all know that with stress comes great sugar craving. A healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to give up all sweetness! That’s why berries are one of the 5 foods you need to ace your exams. Full of vitamins and other great nutrients, berries will make the perfect dessert during this stressful times!

5. Keep your focus and don’t go bananas

Healthy baking alternatives banana apple
Jocelyn Hsu

Our last — but not less delicious — member of the 5 foods you need to ace your exams is bananas. Bananas — along with salmon, broccoli and raisins — are a great source of potassium and you should absolutely eat them as a snack to keep you awake during your breaks.

A healthy diet

Oh The Places You'll Go pepper lemon
Josi Miller

Above all, the important thing is to keep a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods — as the NHS recommends. These 5 foods you need to ace your exams aren’t only about getting great grades without sacrificing your health; they’re about caring for your body and wellness.

If you are unsure how to cope with stress or if you don’t know what constitutes a healthy diet, see your GP to get professional knowledge and tips to lead an energetic, delicious life!

I eat food to write stuff. Follow up for wellbeing and intolerances related articles - and don't forget to try our new recipes!