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🧠 Brain Food: 5 Best Foods to Eat Before a Test

  • Writer: Taly Cotler
    Taly Cotler
  • 19 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Whether you're prepping for finals, an entrance exam, or a big certification test, one thing is clear: your brain needs fuel. The right foods can help sharpen your focus, improve memory, and reduce anxiety. While there’s no magic food that guarantees an A+, certain nutrients are known to enhance brain function and keep your energy steady.

Here are 5 of the best foods to eat before a test to help you stay sharp and perform at your best:

1. Blueberries – The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Blueberries are often called "brain berries" for a reason. Packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, they improve memory and cognitive function. Studies have shown that regularly consuming blueberries can enhance communication between brain cells and delay brain aging.

How to eat it: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to yogurt, oatmeal, or a smoothie the morning of your test.

2. Eggs – Protein + Choline Combo

Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and choline, a nutrient vital for brain development and memory. The protein helps maintain energy levels, while choline supports neurotransmitter production, keeping your brain firing on all cylinders.

How to eat it: Scrambled, boiled, or as part of an egg sandwich—just skip greasy add-ons to avoid feeling sluggish.

3. Oats – Long-Lasting Energy

Oats are a complex carbohydrate that provide steady glucose to the brain—your brain's primary fuel source. Unlike sugary cereals, oats release energy slowly, keeping your mental stamina strong throughout the test.

How to eat it: Try a bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and berries or make overnight oats the night before.

4. Nuts – Tiny But Mighty

Nuts, especially walnuts and almonds, are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and amino acids that boost brain health. They also help regulate blood sugar, which means you’ll avoid the dreaded mid-test energy crash.

How to eat it: Keep a small bag of mixed nuts or trail mix on hand for a quick pre-test snack.

5. Bananas – Natural Brain Booster

Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, which aid in neurotransmitter function and boost mental alertness. They're also easy to digest, making them a quick, no-fuss pre-exam snack.

How to eat it: Eat a banana plain or slice it over your oats or toast.

💡 Bonus Tips:

  • Hydration matters: Don’t forget water! Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and cognitive performance.

  • Avoid heavy, greasy meals: These can make you feel sluggish and distracted.

  • Timing counts: Eat 1-2 hours before the test for optimal digestion and energy.


Final Thoughts:

Food isn’t just fuel—it’s brain fuel. Eating smart before a test can help enhance focus, recall, and mental clarity. So next time you’re cramming the night before, don’t just reach for energy drinks and candy. Instead, give your brain what it truly needs to succeed.


Need help preparing for any standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT), tutoring in any subject area, or guidance on the college application, or graduate advising process? Achieve your academic excellence and call us today at 561-235-3677 or message us at www.academy4achievement.com









 
 
 

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