Exams are coming up (ugh!), and students get so bogged down in studying and pulling all-nighters that nutrition tends to get suckerpunched last on the priority list. 

Greasy pizza, coffee, quick microwavable meals and snacks are easy pick-me-up boosts when cramming, but can also make you feel worse. When good nutrition is added to your study session, it can actually improve memory!

Among the best foods to eat for your brain is a no-brainer – fruit! Go bananas and eat up! Include blueberries to your cereal, oatmeal, or snack. It’s proven to help memory and is a high-antioxidant fruit that helps keep brain cells from damage and the immune system strong (who wants to get sick over finals week?!). 

Avoid a diet high in saturated fats. Most of this comes from animal-based products like cheese, dairy, ice cream, red meats and whole milk. Unfortunately, this stuff can impair concentration and memory.

Go for whole grains. Having refined carbohydrates, sugar or white bread can lead to crashing after an energy rush.

Choose complex carbs can fuel you longer and help your body perform its best. You can find it in oatmeal, whole beans, brown rice, and high-fiber cereals. 

Lots of people are aware of fish as brain food, but even if you’re not a fish person, you can get your essential omega oils from either supplements or various nuts like walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds and soybeans. 

Keep hydrated! Opt for teas, water or fruit juices over soda or caffeine-loaded coffee, though some are OK in moderation. If you need coffee, try limit caffeine to 450 mg or less. 

Don’t forget to eat breakfast before you take your test! It will help avoid thinking about that empty stomach while you’re trying to focus, and help fuel your body and brain.

Choose any of the said tips from above, like cereal or oatmeal with added fruit, a smoothie, etc.