Part of your road to residency is passing the Step 2 CS Exam. While part of the preparations for the grueling test includes practice sessions and mock exercises to highlight your clinical skills, you also need to pay attention to what you drink and eat before and on the big day. You will be surprised at how much your diet is going to affect your overall performance.
One of the most common pitfalls that people taking the exam encounter is not paying enough attention to what they are eating while prepping up. For a long and grueling exam, endurance is a huge thing. For mental marathons such as the Step 2 CS exam, it is critical. A stressful ordeal like this emphasizes the need for proper nutrition. The following are tips on foods that should be included in your diet while you prepare for exam day.
Eat foods that are brain-boosters. These are foods that are rich in protein and are known to improve mental alertness- something you need if you are to pass the test. Among the healthy food choices, you should eat include nuts, eggs, blueberries, and yogurt among others.
If you need sugar boosts, go for fruits. Bananas, strawberries, and oranges are very good choices. Make sure to include vegetables such as raw carrots, spinach, and broccoli in your choices too.
Drink green tea instead of energy drinks. It is very common for people prepping for an exam to stock up on drinks that are packed with caffeine due to the boost it provides. Not only are they stomach-churning, they can cause one to feel even more fatigued in the process. A healthy option would be green tea. It has high doses of caffeine and since it has antioxidants, it can help you concentrate more.
Always bear in mind that the right food can keep you energized and alert throughout the exam, especially with the long hours involved. The right dietary choices will ensure that you will perform at your best on test day.
