Ultimate Exam Diet

The Ultimate Exam Diet - good for adults too if they need to be mentally sharp

Memory loss, poor concentration, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, violence, weepiness, exhaustion, panic attacks, mood swings and many forms of irrational behaviour are often caused by a lack of essential brain foods.

For maximum concentration and brain power during the stress of exams or work it's best to reverse some of the normal eating patterns to be at peak performance for the morning and afternoon. To unwind and relax at home and to sleep well - if exams are just around the corner it's no good trying to sit up till the small hours and cram.

Breakfast: High protein, low fat, little carbohydrate, so:
a large glass of fresh orange or pineapple juice,
a low fat bio live plain yoghurt with toasted almonds or pistachios,
a poached egg with baked beans,
an apple or pear.

Mid morning:
a snack of dried apricots, raisins, dates and nuts.

Lunch:
a mixed salad with cold meat, fish or cheese, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, watercress and tomatoes.

Mid afternoon:
low fat cheese or a hard boiled egg with an apple, pear or grapes.

Evening meal: Now it's carbohydrates -
root vegetable casserole with potatoes, swede, parsnip, turnip, carrot, onion, celery, shredded cabbage, and kidney beans, rice or barley, or a generous portion of pasta or risotto with your favourite low fat sauce.

Finish with a delicious carbohydrate-rich rice pudding - add plenty of nutmeg.

During the evening eat a banana and a few dates or dried apricots.

During the day drink at least three to four pints of fluid, mostly water but including weak tea, herb teas, natural fruit and vegetable juices and not more than two cups of coffee. Sugar is about your worst enemy so do try to avoid it in any form, including honey, during the daytime. Save your sugar fix for the evening and keep it as small as possible.

Nutritionally perfect for extended periods of brain work, this day's eating provides two thousand calories, lots of protein, low carbohydrates, low fat, low salt and well over your day's needs of every single essential nutrient.

Follow these guidelines and your mind will be on full alert when you need it most.