In exactly three weeks I have to sit a verbal examination, before two examiners, in which I defend and discuss a project that I have been working on for the past 6 years.

Does anyone have any advice on how I might modify the basic BTD diet in order to increase mental clarity, giving me the best chance during this exam?

I'm pretty scared. Actually, I'm terrified!

Rochelle:

I am a beginning BTD-er myself, so I have no recommendations from the point of view of a diet.
I have, however, done  verbal tests in school (originally from Europe) and I have often done presentations in front of a huge group of executives. What helped me (aside from knowing the subject) is visualization. Please don't laugh, it really does work.

I would spend 5-10 minutes each day visualizing myself confidently giving presentation or answering questions. I knew I was "ready" when I could not only "see it" in my mind, but "feel it". I could practically "feel" the environment, the desk, the quietness of the room, the podium, my paper, etc.

By the way, I was blown away when I saw the movie "The Secret" because this is EXACTLY what I was doing successfully for years!
I would also like to suggest that you change (very difficult, but not impossible) your self-talk. Notice that you typed "I am scared". This is what the universe will send back to you...more of what you speak. Please say to yourself "I am confident, my mind is clear, I remember everything, I will blow them away", etc.

I realize just how new-agey this sounds, but if you can change your thinking it really does work!
I wish you success in life!
Lana

Hi Rochele,

you may wish to try some acetyl-L-carnitine. ... some vitamin B's are anti-stress too ... should help you sleep and relax ... as an O some tyrosine http://www.4yourtype.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NP005 should help

John

look into these protocols.......
http://www.dadamo.com/protocols/13.html

http://www.dadamo.com/protocols/23.html

and don t forget to exercise!!

I'd go for phosphatidylserine & Enada NADH some minimum:15 mg's (vitamin world do have some )

I've been having great luck with NAP's Attentia.

lecithin has phosphatidylserine in case you do not want to supplement.....
I add it to smoothies and salads........

Lana, sounds like you just got through reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Thanks hedonisticallyinclined -
I love your idea about visualization!  At one time I didn't have the money to buy a mobile home I wanted.  A friend told me to visualize myself in that home.  I did.  I ended up with a much better mobile home - up the hill - more space and fewer problems (like rain drainage).   I'm so glad I didn't get the home that I wanted.

Rescue Remedy, all day and immediately before your exam. As much as you want.

Adhering to the BTD foods at 100% compliancy would be a nice start--pay attention to focusing on the beneficials and tier II food choices; adhere to the exercise recommendations for blood type O's.  Perhaps add some yoga sessions for its relaxation effects.

Alia

yea i 3rd the exercise...if i couldnt exercise id go crazy! thats my escape right there...

B-complex, tyrosine, ditch the grains, get exercise, get enough good sleep and tell yourself other people go through what you will go through, and they come out fine, and no matter what happens, you'll be fine, too. Really.
(Don't think I don't understand your terror, I do.)
Best of luck, do the best you can, then let it go.

Yes, visualize yourself succeeding and don't allow any negative self talk.

Take Rhodiola, or one of the NAP products containing it.

Lower your grain and sugar intake.

Exercise and breathe well . . . and fully . . . and outside!!  

Quoted from Rochelle

I'm pretty scared. Actually, I'm terrified!

It is probably worth remembering that examination panels are not out to fail you!  In all likelihood they will want you to do well!  Very few people actually enjoy failing students so remember that they are human just like you

My type A secretor son performs noticably better at his homeschool work after eating tuna.  I think it is from the Omega-3 fatty acids.  I'd go for deep sea oily fish.  The visualization sounds like an excellent idea, too.  If you can tell yourself out loud how well you will do, that really adds to the visualization.  Saturate all your senses with success!

Robin

Bach Flower Remedies are a homeopathic approach to balancing emotions.  Since you have some time, you would benefit from taking Mimulus, the remedy for fear.  Also Larch for self confidence.  
Rescue Remedy is great for feelings of panic attacks, but RR is better for the short term.  You could take it for the day or two leading up to your examination.
CLICK

You are all such a very kind and lovely bunch of people! Thankyou for the suggestions.  

I have made a start (today in fact) on being super compliant - I am going to try going as close to grain and sugar free as possible. The oily fish suggestion is a good one too. I only eat tuna and wild salmon (can't bear the taste of most fish), but I'll up the frequency of these two.

The supplement suggestions are helpful too - I'm still contemplating these.  The BFRs Mimulus and Larch are also good suggestions.

Thanks particularly, Lana, for the reminder of the power of visualisation. For some reason, this method of preparation had completely gone out of my mind! I shall certainly spend time visualising a positive outcome. This topic would make an interesting thread, wouldn't it?  

Yes, it would, Rochelle!  Feel free to start it up!!