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Ideas for a snack during the break
Hi everyone, I was hoping to start a discussion where we can post ideas about possible snacks during the 15 minute break. I myself tried with raw almonds and dried prunes on my first actual LSAT try... I was feeling great, mentally and physically, no hunger, not full either, but my score was low. Of course, this is just a simple correlation (maybe there was no relationship and a third factor, not being prepared enough, which influenced my score) but nonetheless I would like to know what are some good options people have tried in the past. Thank you very much and I look forward to this discussion 
Comments
I'd stay away from anything with a whole lot of insoluble fiber. I had a banana, trail mix, and 8 oz of water with some matcha powder. Worked great for me.
When I took the digital LSAT I didn't even open my snack. I definitely would recommend bringing a water (or whatever to drink). I think trailmix is a great option like Cant Get Right said.. that's what I chose as well. Just make sure whatever you bring fits into a routine of some sort. If you shock your body with a protein bar or something that your body isn't used to it can cause issues. Also make sure you get into a habit of breakfast early in the morning (before the test) so you can predict/train yourself to digest it safely
Just don't put raisins in that trail mix. I ate that during a PT. Never again.
I am planning on eating a protein bar and a line of adderall.
Disclaimer: I am joking about the protein bar.
I was thinking about it for a while last year, and I went through top scorers' Instagram accounts (lol)
I found that Nicole Hopkins recommends Perfect Bar:
But unfortunately they are not available where I live, and I was thinking of importing for a while, but I realized I should be studying instead of thinking so much about what I should eat on the test day.
I'll probably bring a banana and a chocolate bar.
Has anyone tried the gum method? I know there's been studies done that say if you chew a certain flavor gum while studying and then again while taking the test, your brain has an easier time recalling information. Would it be plausible to chew say a stick of spearmint before entering the testing center and then again during the break?
I also def see the merits of trail mix with m&ms or something chocolatey! Salty, sweet, with a burst of caffeine to keep ya going.
I've actually done this for a bit while I was taking PTs! Wanted to do some associative training to get myself cognitively "primed", so to speak, for test days, etc. What I noticed, though, was that most times I wouldn't even be chewing my gum because I was too focused on the task at hand or I was chewing my gum and couldn't focus on the task at hand.
It definitely helps with nerves while you begin and during the break I would say (perhaps as an alternative to chewing through and through)
Isn't gum banned?
That's a lot of food! I can barely get more than a bit of orange juice down my throat.
Should I force myself to eat a bit? I am always not hungry during the break.
Hahahah I definitely lol'd. Well played sir. I can stand behind this method. This is TCR.
Yeah it is during the test. They are implying chew gum up until you start when you have to dispose of it, and chew it during your break.
Ah I see. Thanks for clarifying! And thank god it's banned.
Some nibbles off a bar of dark chocolate (70%) and maybe some Ritz crackers to cleanse my palate, followed by a swig of flavored water.
Not if you don't do it during your breaks on your PTs. If you're not hungry or feeling drained, that's great, no need to worry! Just make sure you're consistent. Practice the way you'll do it for for real.
I do feel brain drained sometimes but I don't feel hungry. That's why I thought shoving some fresh orange juice would be better and would give me that sugar too. Should I be eating something to combat mental fatigue?
I like that you mentioned a banana. Maybe I'll give that a go.
I like to eat a honey crisp apple for a tasty, natural way of getting some sugar in me for the second half of the test!
okay that just sounds delicious! I love how they name these apples. In terms of taste I like red delicious apple.
@Sami and @Zachary_P wouldn't the delicious honey crisp apple contradict @"Cant Get Right"'s advice:
...meaning the skin of the apple
True. Maybe I should peel my apples?
@therealnas Hmm interesting point. Maybe I'll go with @Sami 's idea and peel an apple morning of and throw some lemon juice on it to keep it fresh.
I second the Perfect Bar nomination. That was my snack. It is very tasty and nutrious. The only problem is that it is a little dry, so drink something with it.
I made the mistake of taking a big bite out of the Perfect Bar (without drinking anything) right before going back into the testing center. I almost choked and died. This would have been terrible because I only had two scored sections up to that point, which means I would have only gotten like a 145! I ended up with a dry mouth and a 171, but I still think about what a difference a sip of water would have made. Please remember, drink (water) responsibly!
i'm going with one of those 'naked' bars which have around 3 ingredients (dates and a variation of nuts). these are quite small so good for the people who aren't that hungry during the break, and the dates give me a burst of energy to keep going.
Surprised no one else said anything about matcha. I can't rave about it enough. Perfectly sweet and it supposedly helps with one's mood and aids in concentration. I put whole milk and lavender in mine. Besides that, I just had a Cliff bar and half a banana.
I believe @"Cant Get Right" said matcha is a necessary addition to his 15 minute break snack! How do you find the caffeine content in it? Does it not interfere with your focus? Does it make it better or not? @Sprinkles
Green tea is very low in caffeine. It's the theanine you really want. Like caffeine, it boosts metabolism and cognition, but whereas caffeine increases anxiety, theanine actually reduces it by raising dopamine levels.
^^^^^
Pretty much this! Drinking matcha during the 15 min break will help reduce anxiety and will aid focus thanks to its rich properties.
During the Digital LSAT I had a chocolate chip Cliff bar and chugged a bottle of Honest peach iced tea. Think I'm sticking with that for the real thing.
Same! Anything sweet .. especially dried fruit.. gives me a short energy burst then a huge crash
There may be a positive correlation between Perfect Bar and 170+....I feel like I need to get one of those...(lol)
For me, both matcha and coffee have a pretty strong diuretic effect, so I only drink water during 15 minute break.
quest protein bars are the shit, highly recommend
A PB&J sandwich, specifically the Uncrustable brand. It'll give you a good amount of protein, sugar, and carbohydrates! NBA players use it to boost their mental strength and energy:)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4340438/Why-NBA-athletes-rely-PB-J-sandwiches-boost-energy.html
Starbucks Bistro Protein
box for the win. Plus a few pieces of dark chocolate almonds and water with Starbucks refreher mix. Hits all of the protein/carb/fats mix. And a B-12.
Ah, for me it was the fiber not the sweetness. But carbs, healthy protein, and some sugar is what I'm going to do. PB&J sounds good and easy to go down. Also, I tend to drink more water during the break then before the exam due to the large amount of time you can't use the restroom before the test and for that first half. PB and water is good.
one of those mini 8 ounces of Gatorade, and a Protein Bar. I might not even eat anything because I tend to just have no appetite when being under stress.
I didn't touch my snack during the digital. Drank about half of my water (16 oz I think) and just sat there making mental notes of all the stupid things the other kids said while waiting
i'm going with a can of sardines...
joking or for real?
I think I actually really like this. Lots of good fats and protein. None of the guilt.
@RafaelBernard not joking.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/eat-smart-healthier-brain#1
I have no idea what I'm going to eat lol. I'm just focused on getting through CC first. Does fiber make people crash in general? When I did my first PT I brought a snack of turkey slices, grape tomatoes and a string cheese to the library. It was perfect. So I guess I'll try that when the day comes.