Students may want to think twice about what they grab to eatbefore class or a test.
Kyle Arnold, a secondary education sophomore, said he is notconscious of the food he eats, even before tests.
Autumn Douglas, dietician for the Wellness Education Department,said “keeping a well balanced diet, getting adequate sleepand using healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress” willkeep students healthy and performing better academically.
Although there are no specific foods that will directly enhancebrain function, Douglas said limiting the use of caffeine andalcohol can help students prepare their mind for optimumperformance.
Douglas said caffeine and alcohol can aggravate or worsen thesymptoms of stress. Because caffeine is a stimulant and alcohol isa depressant, she said many students may think caffeine and alcoholcan help them deal with stress, but it is not true.
Lee Patterson, a biology freshman, said if he knew coffee wasdetrimental to his performance, he probably would not drink it, buthe was never informed. He said he has never considered changing hisdiet for better performance.
Gretchen Haney, a general studies senior, said she does not havemuch time to eat anything on school days because she has no breaks.She said she would prefer not to be hungry during a test, so shemay get a snack out of the vending machine, but she does not worrytoo much about her eating habits.
Douglas said students “should avoid skipping meals whenpossible.” She said research has proven “students whoskip breakfast do not perform as well on tests.” She saidpacking a granola bar, dry cereal or trail mix is recommended tosnack throughout the morning.
“Eating small meals and snacks can help increasemetabolism and prevent hypoglycemia, low blood sugar,”Douglas said. “Waiting longer than four to six hours to eat ameal or snack can cause low blood sugar which may lead to decreasedconcentration.”
Douglas said taking a multivitamin can help fill the parts of abalanced diet students are lacking. Students should try to eat aproper balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat to have optimalbrain function. According to the Food and Drug Administration, abalanced diet for active women should be a 2,200 calorie diet andactive men should use a 2,800 calorie diet in accordance with theFDA food pyramid, which breaks the five food groups into servingsizes.
Maren Hegsted, professor of nutrition in the Human EcologyDepartment, said foods high in carbohydrates make people relaxedand foods high in protein make people more awake, but food affectsindividuals in different ways.
“Don’t forget to move,” said Douglas. She saidstudents should use exercise to clear their minds and relievestress.”
Douglas said students should make it a priority to walk, playfrisbee or bike ride for 30 to 45 minutes during theweek.”
“Exercise will actually provide more energy than a cup ofcoffee,” Douglas said.