Eating is important for anyone – especially to get you through a day. However, proper nutrition is essential when preparing for a crucial time in life – such as a meeting or interview. A poor diet can make you tired or sloppy, whereas a healthy diet will make you more focused, more aware and help to get rid of those interview nerves.

These foods below are things you should try to intake when getting ready.

The first food you should have is fatty acids (Omega 3). These build brain cell membranes and promote new brain cell formulation – so they’ll make you smarter! You can find fatty acids in salmon, eggs and kale (amongst other places). B vitamins are the second things you should take. These vitamins will not only prevent insomnia, anxiety and low self-esteem, they’ll also increase energy and motivation levels. Make sure to eat peas, broccoli, spinach or meat. The last food you should eat is whole grains. These slowly release glucose into the bloodstream and can increase your mental alertness, concentration and focus. If you have brown cereals, brown pasta or granary bread for your lunch, you’ll have lots of them!

Nevertheless, during the day, when you’re preparing for the interview, there are a few foods to avoid. Firstly, eating too many carbs, like potatoes, bread and pasta can reduce alertness and may even make you fall asleep – which you don’t want in an interview! Secondly, garlic and onions should be banned from your diet for 24 hours before any interview or meeting – they’ll cause bad breath and can be excreted from sweat glands too.

Finally, although you need to stay hydrated, don’t be drinking too much water before an interview – you’ll be running to the toilet every 5 minutes! However, do ask for a glass of water to keep your mouth hydrated during the time you’re talking.