The GMAT doesn’t just test accuracy or timing. It also tests your endurance. Confronted with two 30-minute essays and two 75-minute sections, test takers will inevitably suffer from a certain level of exhaustion. Unfortunately, too many underestimate this aspect of the GMAT and lose the opportunity to perform at their best. While we can’t entirely avoid mental fatigue, it’s certainly possible to postpone and minimize it. Some remedies are well known, such as practicing full-length CAT’s under real test conditions (including the AWA) and timing yourself with OG questions. There is, however, another important option: snacks during the allotted breaks. It’s important to maintain energy levels as long as possible, and this can’t be done without food. You have a break after the AWA and another one between the Quant and Verbal sections. Use these to your advantage! Perhaps the most important thing is not so much what you eat, but that you eat. However, a few items are mentioned more often than others. FOOD : 1. Bananas - This yellow fruit contains potassium, a mineral which helps to normalize the heartbeat and send oxygen to the brain. Bananas are also high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system. But the main benefit comes from the carbohydrates; the three types of sugar provide an instant and sustained energy supply. 2. Almonds – These nuts are high in vitamin E and magnesium, which helps convert sugar into energy. Almonds are also high in protein and fat – good sources for sustained energy. Manganese, copper, and riboflavin further help in energy production. 4. Snickers Bar - The amount of protein and fat from the nuts, as well as the high sugar content, deliver a high level of energy. Also, chocolate has been associated with relaxation and mood elevation. Plus, these candy bars taste great! 5. Trail Mix – Usually associated with outdoor hikes, this tasty combination of nuts, dried fruit, grains, and chocolate offers the complete package of protein, carbs, and fat. DRINKS : 1. Gatorade – High in sugar and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), this energy drink is quickly absorbed into your body. However, due to the salt content, you may become thirsty. Make sure to drink some water and visit the bathroom afterward. 2. Water - Dehydration can lead to a host of uncomfortable consequences, such as dry mouth, fatigue, and lightheadedness - all of which can distract you and adversely affect your score. Just one cup of cold water will go a long way. But it’s not just for drinking! Many recommend splashing cold water on your face during the breaks. This triggers a response called “mammalian reflex,” which slows down the heart rate and reduces the need for bloodstream oxygen. It also leaves you feeling refreshed, awake, and relaxed. However, the time to experiment with snacks is NOT on the day of the test. Instead, try a few of them during your practice CATs to see which ones trigger the best response. Everyone will react slightly differently, so it’s important to see what works for you. During the breaks, be sure to also go to the bathroom, walk around, take deep breaths, and stretch some. These activities only take a few moments and will help to keep you alert and fresh. While these foods have a good GMAT reputation, this list is by no means exhaustive. I’m sure that there are other great options. If you know of any, please share them with us!

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Melodania

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Very interesting post.Definitely one of the neglected and taken-for-granted areas during the GMAT.

I personally went for a combination of chocolates,some nuts and orange juice during my test.A high energy bar or a nut-filled chocolate bar would also do,anything giving you that necessary burst of glucose and energy to your blood and your brain.Have discussed the 8-minute break food during my GMAT extensively in my debrief here:
how-i-almost-belled-the-mat-710-q45-v42-134003.html

Agree with MBACrystalBall about energy drinks.Not the best idea consuming them between your exam.But to each his own,I guess.As long as you have practiced with food/drinks you are comfortable with during your mock CATs,its fine.NEVER try anything new during the exam!!

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02 Jul 2012, 03:22

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Say I want energy to hit me at fifteen minutes into the verbal section. What would be the best time to eat a banana or two? My test is at 9 am so I figure I'll be getting to verbal at 11:20am...

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12 Nov 2012, 00:48

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Hello - Has any one tried 5 hr energy drink? I have bought them and I will try them out during my CATs, but I still wanted to know if anyone has faced problem because of this drink? I have bought both the extra-energy 5 hr energy and the normal the version too. Which one do you guys recommend.

Please advise. My real exam is not very far.

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12 Nov 2012, 02:01

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Jp27

I tried both 5hr energy and Red Bull. I personally find Red Bull more gratifying, didn't really get much punch out of 5hrs. I'd say try the Red bull without sugar or zero Red bull if you are worried about jitters. But Red Bull regular is what I personally like. I had it after a coffee and that kinda really was pushing the Red Bull effect to the max.

Goodluck on your exam!

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17 Nov 2012, 00:47

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As a doctor, i would recommend each to get an idea on what foods provide a lasting dose of energy and then "Do your own thing". Generally Grains, and cereal based foods are good early in the day and get you started! (you want CARBS). Have a banana along with your favorite CEREAL or a sandwich made from whole grain bread. If you like coffee or OJ go for either. The key is to find out WHICH FOODS provide you the most energy, but you must also like to EAT those foods.. An energy drink 20 minutes before the test is a good idea, however these drinks do come with side effects ranging from chest pain, tachycardia to massive headache's and dizziness so it is a good idea to test them out to see whether they work for you or not. If you enjoy a Sandwich in between your study sessions then their is no need to EAT A SNICKERS BAR (which you may otherwise dislike). Foods that one like's act as mood elevators (we all feel a level of satisfaction when we eat our favorite food ), so you want to enjoy what you eat. The important point here is to EAT something and most of the things that you will choose will have a positive impact for you ( will provide energy).

I have seen friends that have taken caffeine pills for 2 days with very little sleep (2-3 hours a day) DO EXTREMELY well in MARATHON Medical examinations, however that is not recommended. I have also seen some go buck wild and take HUGE quantity of food before the exam and do equally well (this is also not recommended). Try to get a good meal the night before (perhaps go to your favorite restaurant) and a GOOD breakfast the morning of the test. Take along foods that you enjoy and look forward to eating (DO NOT EXPERIMENT) and do your own thing ( You have taken Exams all your life, and most have taken exams that last 3-4 hours, so just follow what has worked for you)..

In between the quant and Verbal session (last break) you will perhaps feel the most drained.. Eat something, have a sip of water and try to " RE-BOOT your BRAIN" .. Do what works for you, gets you relaxed, gets your brain to easy up. For some it is listening to music, for others it may be doing push up's or walking around teh center..For others it may be splashing water etc.

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03 Nov 2013, 09:06

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Though quite late in replying to vomhorizon's excellent post, I would like to thank this member for his or her valuable input. I would also like to remind everyone that the alloted breaks are rather short, so make sure that whatever energy food is chosen can be comfortably consumed within that limited timeframe!

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07 Sep 2014, 11:47

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I sorely wish that I had found this post before figuring out the snacks part myself. For my first three attempts, I tried chocolates (not such a great idea- sugar high followed by a crash). I surely experienced crash in the middle of the verbal section all three times. :wall

Correct eating on d-day and during the test should be part of serious strategy for test takers. :food

On my fourth attempt, I figured out the importance of eating right during the test and I practiced the same regimen during mock CATs too. A third bottle of gatorade in every break plus good carbohydrates. I'd recommend some type of bread low on sugar but high on carbs.

I am sure that this helped me lot with my endurance during test day, which I know for a fact was a big factor in my score (I know this for sure as I usually performed well on sectional test, but poorly on full length tests - something that my wife was kind enough to point out!). :thumbup:

Edit: I'd probably stay away from regular red bull (maybe before verbal only!!! - but do practice this during mock CATs as well)

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07 Jan 2016, 02:37

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Am i allowed to eat glucose during the test and drink during the test?

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Banach334

Am i allowed to eat glucose during the test and drink during the test?

Unfortunately, strictly no food and drinks allowed during the test. You may consume them during the break though

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should I drink sweet water during period of quantitative or verbal section?

what to do if I miss restroom time"?

Am I allowed to cough?

.......

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also, during the test, I have to sit in one way, not allowed to comfortably stretch legs or scratch skin, or hum rhythm?

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