during exams students spend long hours studying and staying awake intake of the right food in small quantities with brain food will keep them stimulated and alert during exam a little modification in lifestyle is needed here are some tips a high level of phosphorus from processed food and soft drinks will deplete bone density and cause fracture teach your children to eat slowly and savour each mouthful try to have small and frequent meals dont reheat food it will spoil the nutrients of food and release unpleasantsmelling sulfur compounds and may cause gas ensure that the child doesnt chew gum the chewing action causes him to swallow more digestive juices which will increase his hunger children should have succulent fruits and vegetables because that will rehydrate the body and provide enrichment of nutrients and will not make them feel sleepy after the meal eg a fruit plate with water melon musk melon strawberries oranges and sweetlime works well and for a salad plate opt for green cucumber and zuuchini and salad leaves almonds walnut pumpkin seeds cucumber and watermelon will help in improving memory and concentration nuts are full of dha which is needed in high levels in the brain and eye for learning and memory starchy vegetables makes you lethargic and sleepy so avoid potato suran arbi etc try to consume light vegetables like bottle gourd or doodhi gelki carrots methi etc l chilled raita with fresh fruit or vegetable is great instead of samosas burgers and namkeen farsan opt for almonds cashewnuts pista pumpkin seeds sukha bhel and chana instead of aerated drinks try healthy fresh fruit milkshakes lassie try to combine largechopped fresh salad fine chopping loses nutrients and healthy drink or fresh juices avoid fried and refined foods bread maida products which make you more sleepy and lethargic l iodine is very important have iodized salt avoid too much of tea and coffee as they will cause acidity and heart burn hydrate your body drink lots of water fresh seasonal fruit juices before exams good and sound sleep is very important keep yourself happy listen to relaxing music during study breaksstudents should keep away from burgers pizza hot dogs aerated drinks sandwich red meat deep fried foodinputs by dr nupur krishnan clinical nutritionist