Exam preparation - what kind of food is best?

Don't eat anything on test day that you don't normally eat - bad timing if you turn out to be allergic to something!

I would suggest a balanced breakfast - moderate to high protein, moderate to low carbs. Maybe two eggs, piece of toast, glass of milk, piece of fruit. Bananas are great brain boosters, once they're digested - eat one at least an hour before the test because you might be a bit sluggish at first, but then you'll get a big boost.

Before the test, have a high-protein lunch - tuna on rye or sourdough always works for me. Follow that with some yogurt, preferably one that's low-sugar.

Bring a small apple and/or a Powerbar for your break. Apples are awesome for a quick boost, and eating just half the Powerbar will give you some complex carbs to sustain you. Or bring some nuts - almonds and other nuts pack a protein punch and are very portable.

Avoid sugar as much as you can - the additional stress of the test can cause you to crash more easily. If you don't normally have coffee with caffeine in the morning, don't have it on test day. If you always start your day with the caffeine, then do have a cup so that you don't feel the withdrawal and get jittery.

Avoid like the plague energy drinks like Red Bull - very bad for the body to begin with, but you'll shake yourself right out of your seat! Some Gatorade is great, though. Not too much or you'll be wishing for another break!

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or an expert of any kind. I am, however, hypoglycemic and unfortunately very aware of how the body reacts to foods. Protein is brain food while complex carbs are for sustained exercise and physical stamina. Ever have pasta at lunch and feel drowsy in the afternoon? Too many carbs. Eat enough carbs to keep you full but not too many so you're not sleepy.

I would suggest trying a few of the foods you're going to eat for a few days before the test, before taking a test at the same time as your scheduled test time. Simulate the full experience and it won't feel so foreign on test day.

Oh, one more thing - If you forget food or are still hungry on a break, the one thing in the vending machine that I would suggest is peanut M&Ms. They're low on sugar compared to the other candy and snacks and they're good on protein with the peanuts. That's the only thing I ever get out of a snack vending machine. I don't know if the testing center will have one, but if they do, those are a good bet.

Hope this helps! Good luck!