Have you ever eaten a humongous piece of sickly chocolate cake and then thought, I need a lie-down and a sleep?
This would be because what we eat has a huge impact on how we feel throughout the day. It affects our energy levels, focus and even, you may be surprised to hear, our nerves. This is why what you eat before an interview could have an impact on how well you perform.
StandOut CV has created a handy infographic to show you what foods you should eat and what you should definitely avoid.
In preparation for your interview, good foods include:
1. Fatty acids – such as salmon, eggs and kale
Fatty acids make you smarter by building cell membranes. They’ll turn you into a brain box in no time. You’re definitely going to need to be feeling switched on when faced with all of those interview questions and fatty acids are a great interview food that will help you with this.
2. Vitamin B – such as peas, broccoli, spinach or meat
These could be one for the night before as B vitamins help prevent insomnia. Other benefits include increasing your energy levels (hello motivation!) and preventing anxiety (goodbye nerves!).
3. Whole grains – such as brown cereals, brown pasta and granary bread
Whole grains are great for increasing your concentration and focus, so you should have no trouble getting into “the zone” before your interview. This is because they slowly release glucose into your blood stream.
4. Coffee
Many of us need to drink a cup of coffee to get going in the morning (and mid-morning and afternoon…) and it does act as a good stimulant. However, don’t consume too much, as instead of boosting your alertness you may just become a bit twitchy!
On the flip side, these foods are better to avoid:
1. Carbs – such as potatoes, bread and pasta
They may taste great, but carbs are very good at reducing your alertness. Sleepiness usually ensues after a carby meal so try to avoid them before an interview.
2. Stinky foods – such as garlic and onions
Do your interviewer a favour and avoid eating smelly foods for as long as 24 hours prior to your interview. Bad breath does not make a good impression and did you know that these smells can also be expelled from your sweat glands too?!
3. Water
Water is generally good, but needing the toilet every 10 minutes is not so good. Stay hydrated and do ask for a glass of water to avoid a dry mouth during the interview, but don’t over do it.
What to eat before an interview infographic
