Healthy eating in college can be difficult on a budget, but just because you have little money does not mean you need to eat food with little nutritional value. With these few handy hints and tips, healthy eating in college can be simple...
1. Make a list
If you make a list when you are going shopping you are less likely
to be tempted by pricey, unnecessary items. On a side note, eating
before going shopping will make sure that you do not impulse buy and
keep to your shopping list.
2. Plan your meals
If you plan your meals for the week, you'll know what to put on your
shopping list and it will motivate you to cook in the evening. Meals
don't have to be difficult, look for easy recipes online.
3. Buy value ingredients
Just because ingredients are in the value range, it doesn't mean
they aren't as good. It may be that the vegetables are different shapes
and sizes, but they will all taste the same in the end. People shopping
with their eyes instead of their head is the main reason supermarkets
can charge more for standardized looking vegetables.
4. Keep an eye out for bargains
If you have a freezer, bargain shopping is easy. If something is buy
one get one free, eat one and freeze the other. It is also a good idea
to keep an eye out in the clearance section, although the food may be
going out of date in a day or two, if you freeze it, it can last for
months.
5. Buy tins
Fruit can be expensive and goes off quickly, but tinned fruit will
last for months and is still just as good for you. It makes a great
snack, try it with some frozen yoghurt. You can also buy tinned
vegetables - be aware of what the fruit and vegetables are preserved in
though, avoid salted water and syrup and look for those stored in water
or their own juice.
6. Frozen foods
Frozen vegetables actually hold their nutritional value better than
fresh and are far more convenient, they will also last longer so take
advantage of buying larger packs as they are generally more economical.
7. Drink water
Although in can be tempting to hit the fizzy drinks, your body needs
water, particularly if it has been put through the wars with alcohol!
Water is healthy and free, so try to drink 7 - 8 glasses a day.
8. Eat breakfast
Eating breakfast will stop you feeling hungry during the day and
prevent napping in lectures. Breakfast does exactly what it says on the
tin, it breaks a fast, so make sure you grab something in the morning
(even if you are running late!) It needn't be a cooked meal, keep some
fruit and cereal bars handy to throw in your bag on the way to lectures.
9. Healthy snacks
Often people fall down when they are having an energy slump and
reach for the chocolate or other naughty snacks. Keeping some healthy
snacks on you is a great way of avoiding the sugar cravings, fruit and
vegetables are obviously a great option, but if you are in need of
something a bit more interesting, try taking some vegetable crisps
instead.
10. Variety
A varied diet is important for health and to stop you getting bored.
Try something new each week to keep your diet interesting. Variety is
the spice of life!
Follow these simple guidelines and healthy eating in college really can be a breeze.
