Eating during exam-time is serious business, says Ntiyiso Mkhabela. Just like exam prep isn’t a last-minute effort, moms should get ahead and feed those young minds and bodies that are about to put in the hard work!   

Being a mother of two kids, one in grade 11 and the other in grade 5, I understand the significance of exam preparation. To accomplish this, I need to work hard as well, creating meals that combine their favourite foods with nutritious ingredients. While preparing meals for my eldest daughter is straightforward (she eats without questioning the ingredients), catering to my youngest, a picky eater, requires extra effort. The goal? To ensure both girls eat well at school and at home.  

Mom’s strategy 

Here are some timesaving strategies to help your kids perform at their best during exams, which have proven effective for my family.  

1. Drink up, honey!  

Final exams take place during the hottest season in SA, so it’s crucial to promote drinking plenty of water and to offer nutritious snacks such as fruits and nuts for studying at home or at school. Also, considering that many kids spend up to 10 hours at school or in aftercare, it’s vital to pack enough food for school. The food that I’m sharing is not only great to enjoy at home but is also ideal for packing in your kids’ lunch boxes, so don’t be fooled to think sandwiches are the only way to go!   

2. Oh my, omega  

When preparing for exams, I prioritise foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as berries, fatty fish (think tuna and mackerel), eggs, as well as leafy greens. These healthy fats quite literally help your brain function by maintaining brain cell membranes and facilitating communication between your brain cells, aiding in memory and learning. I focus on affordable and easy-to- make dishes. I enjoy boiling eggs and serving them as is, or adding them to sandwiches or salads for the kids. This approach also helps promote the consumption those leafy greens.   

3. Green scene  

Leafy greens are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that serve meals with a salad, or you can finely chop spinach or grate broccoli and add it to egg muffins or crustless quiches, sneaking some greens into meals. Of course, other colour veggies are also great and, as most parents know, hiding veg in plain sight is sometimes needed. Try adding blitzed butternut to a cheesy pasta sauce, or adding finely chopped mushrooms to mince.

4. Snack attack  

I offer the girls berries as a snack, a practice which encourages them to opt for naturally sweet fruits over sweets or chips. Strawberries and blueberries are the go-to, but in the height of summer I splurge and include cherries as they have numerous health benefits. Berries can be pricey, so I consider any fresh fruit a win. I’d also recommend involving kids in meal prep, even if it is just packing items in their own lunchboxes.  

Recipes & styling: Gail Damon 

Photographs: Fresh Living Magazine 

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