In the modern age of various choices and high awareness, there are many students and parents who try different things to maintain good health all the time. During preparation, students are busy, have hectic schedules and hence miss out on eating properly. We recommend some very simple food habits to keep in mind which are easy to follow and help you improve concentration during JEE and NEET preparation:
Don’t leave your house on an empty stomach
As it is always a race against time for students, they tend to leave the house on an empty stomach or simply consume very little food in the morning. Leaving a house without a good breakfast is not recommended as it will reduce your concentration during lectures and you will eat unhealthy food in the canteen or eat outside food afterwards. Keep aside 10-15 minutes for breakfast in the morning and start your day on a good note, full of energy.
Consume simple and energy-rich healthy foods
Simple and healthy foods such as daal rice, stuffed paratha, khichdi, or chapati bhaji are lighter to digest. If lectures are longer, carry smart food options like paratha rolls and sandwiches, paneer rolls, etc., which are convenient to eat and make you feel full. They are healthy foods that can help you stay alert and active by providing enough glucose during your preparation. Many times, low sugar is the reason for lower concentration during preparation. Deep-fried food can be limited to once or twice a week.
Choose from healthy mid-meal snacks
For mid-meal snacking, eating bananas is simple, convenient and hygienic. Other fruits can also be consumed. Egg whites and milk /milkshakes (banana shake, chikoo shake, milk with dry fruit powder, etc.) are other simple and healthy foods to consume. Some other good options are homemade bhajiya, sandwiches, kheer, etc. Use of butter, cheese and mayonnaise should be done in moderation only, as they will make you lethargic.
Avoid unhealthy snacking (especially late at night)
Generally, snacks like chips, namkeens, noodles, pizza, etc. have high sugar, salt or fat content and are unhealthy. Such foods could lead to sluggishness or health issues in the long run. If these are taken late at night, then there is a tendency to feel full in the morning, and you leave the house on an empty stomach as you don’t feel hungry. Taking scheduled meal breaks and having proper meals at designated times is better. Healthy options like dry chana, laddoos, and fruits should be consumed, which are easily digested and healthy.
Do not forget to hydrate your body
Drinking lots of water is beneficial and helps alert your mind during preparation. Coconut water is another healthy option. Simple, fresh lemon water with little salt and sugar is healthy and makes you feel energetic. Homemade soups, buttermilk, etc., are other healthy options. Intake of black coffee and tea should be limited. Often, washrooms are not easily accessible, and students avoid drinking water, but ways should be found to tackle this situation.
Do not use energy drinks
Students think that energy drinks improve concentration and help in keeping the mind alert and awake but in reality, they are not healthy at all. Similarly, the intake of cold drinks, mocktails, canned drinks, etc., should also be limited during preparation.
Apart from switching to these food options, a student should try to create fixed time slots for meals and inform parents or household members about the timing so they can plan accordingly and you are not disturbed in between meals.
Even from our personal experiences, we have followed all these points during our preparation and selection in JEE. Thus, we preach what we have practised and recommend you undertake all these healthy habits. So - try to eat simple, healthy and sufficient food to keep yourself active, alert, focused and energetic. All the best!
About Mentor and Mom:
Mentor and Mom is an initiative by Dr. Monika Mittal and her two IITian sons, Ameya Mittal and Sarthak Mittal. With our enriched experience and practice over the years, we provide mentoring and effective study tips to help you prepare for JEE, NEET, and other exams. We aim to build a happy, healthy, and motivated student community!
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