As year 12 final-year exams begin, Australia’s leading nutrition organisation is encouraging students to start the day with the right fuel to perform at their academic best.
This advice follows reports that many school students are skipping breakfast.
Recent results from the 2013 CensusAtSchool survey show 15% of school students are missing breakfast.
According to the Dietitians Association of Australia, starting exam day on an empty stomach may have an impact on their final score.
DAA Spokesperson and mother of four teenagers, Julie Gilbert, says making sure kids leave the house with a healthy breakfast is a great way for parents or carers to help students perform at their best.
"Simply starting the day with the right fuel has been shown to improve alertness, concentration, mental performance and memory. Breakfast really is the perfect brain-fuel for students," says Ms Gilbert.
Julie Gilbert who is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, says students should look for a breakfast that is high in fibre, low Glycaemic Index and has some protein.
"The right foods and drinks will give you long-lasting energy and keep you satisfied throughout those long exam days," says Ms Gilbert.
Julie’s breakfast brain-boosters:
- Wholegrain cereal with reduced-fat milk, topped with fresh fruit
- Wholegrain toast with reduced-fat cheese and tomato, and a piece of fruit
- Wholemeal muffin or crumpet with baked beans and a low-fat yoghurt
- Poached or scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast with a glass of reduced-fat milk
- On the go? Try low-fat yoghurt or a breakfast drink with a piece of fruit.
DAA encourages also students to drink water to keep well hydrated and avoid snacks that are high in added sugar and low in nutrients, such as energy drinks and lollies.
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