good brain foods

[mg]

Hi Stacey - can you tell us what are good brain foods and is there a recommended diet during the GMAT test time frame?

[StaceyKoprince]

Complex carbs and proteins for energy with some fat thrown in there for good brain function.

The night before the test, carb up, just like an athlete - big pasta dinner with meat sauce, or tofu and noodles, or something like that.

For breakfast: whole wheat toast and eggs or peanut butter or something with protein and fat. Not a lot of caffeine and no sugary junk food.

During the breaks on the test: again, complex carbs, proteins and fats - peanut butter or tuna on whole wheat toast, an energy bar (but read the ingredients - you don't want a ton of sugar and filler - it's got to have the good stuff!), water, energy/sports drink (again, not a ton of sugar), fresh-squeezed fruit juice.

[mg]

people have recommended a banana in the morning to me.

Also are sun dried apricots any good?

[StaceyKoprince]

Fruit in general is good. I love dried apricots but, just thinking about it, I would probably prefer fresh fruit. Dried fruit has more concentrated sugar for the volume of food, and I want to make sure that I'm getting enough volume in my stomach as well to keep me full enough (but not too full!).

Though, I actually don't think it would make a huge difference - fresh or dried should be fine.

[tomslawsky]

Loading up on fish oil, acetyl L carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C has been helping me get in the study zone for a few years now. I have ADD and it's always a struggle to get into the zone. as I've chosen not to "medicate" myself for it.

[StaceyKoprince]

thanks for the suggestions, Tom!

[tomslawsky]

No problem, human biochemistry and nutrition are the driving forces behind me studying biochemistry in grad school.

I forgot (and this is good for the memory, too hahaha), adding a good solid multi vitamin (think NON centrum, threragram) and choline bitartrate would also add to the ability to focus, as well as strengthen one's overall cinstitution.

Disclamer- I have NO affiliation with ANY supplement sales firms whatsoever. I'm just a poor pleb with a big interest in the human body whilst trying to crack the GMAT along the way :)

[StaceyKoprince]

And I should also add: people should check out the options and pick what they think works for themselves. If you're not sure about something, don't eat it!