How to Avoid the Freshman Fifteen

by  Stacy Spensley 

Did you know that the average student can put on up to fifteen pounds in their first year of University? As a student, eating healthily probably isn’t at the top of your list of priorities. Long hours studying means you are more likely to reach for fast food when hunger strikes. With this is mind here are a few tips to help you stock your fridge with healthier meals without blowing your budget.

Learn the Basics

If you have never had to cook for yourself before, whipping up any kind of meal can seem daunting. However, with the internet at your fingertips, learning the basics is simple. Create a list of five go to meals that are easy to make (make sure this vegetarian rosti recipe is in your repertoire) and you will be well on your way to a healthier diet. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and having a healthy breakfast such as an omelette at home can save you money but it can also stop you from reaching for unhealthy over-priced snacks in-between lectures.

Create a Staple Shopping List

One way to take small steps to a healthier diet is to create a staple shopping list. This way, you won’t end up walking around the supermarket aimlessly or be tempted to pick up any unhealthy treats on the reduced shelf. However, the idea isn’t to expect perfection. No one sticks to a healthy diet 100 per cent of the time so don’t be too harsh from yourself if you throw in a couple of treats. The idea is to stick to your healthy staples for example chicken, vegetables, eggs and fruit to ensure you are getting a good balance of protein and good fats.  Investing in a few high quality ingredients for simple meals can often be more affordable that a ready meal. The YouTube video below explains how to create the best shopping list for your budget.

Stock Up on Healthy Snacks

All night study sessions can really take their toll on your diet. After hours of studying, it can be tempting to turn to the nearest take away or reach for a chocolate bar but stocking up on healthier snacks can save you money and shrink your waistline. Boiled eggs, hummus and vegetables and rice crackers are all a good choice for those late night hunger cravings. Staying hydrated can also help to stave off hunger so remember to keep a bottle of water to hand at all times.

Don’t Forget your Freezer

University can throw a number of roadblocks to eating healthy meals and having a busy schedule is one of the biggest. However, one of the simplest ways to ensure you always have healthy food to hand is to prepare your meals in advance and store them in the freezer. You can do this with anything from soup to stir-fry. Bulk buying ingredients and freezing leftovers is an easy way to stay healthy while watching the pennies.

So, there you have it, four ways to avoid the freshman fifteen with a dorm friendly diet. How do you incorporate healthy choices into University life?

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