By Jenna Hope, Nutritionist
Hello, it’s Jenna here again! Here’s my next lot of top tips to help you focus on your health whilst studying at NTU.
6. Snack smart
During Freshers Week, you’ll notice that everyone wants you to join their society and the way of tempting you is through the use of sweets, alcohol and chocolate. Be cautious of these tactics and try to avoid over consuming on the sweet options unnecessarily. Try swapping one sweet snack a day for a healthier alternative e.g. rice cakes with peanut butter, a handful of nuts or seeds, roasted peas or carrots and hummus. These healthier options are likely to keep you fuller for longer and prevent those sugar cravings.
7. Don’t over look the tins
Whilst some tinned foods such as soups, baked beans and spaghetti hoops can be high in sugar and salt, others can be healthy long-life options. Pick tinned beans, peas, legumes and fruit in juice (avoid the syrups). Tinned foods are cheaper and tend to last longer than fresh produce.
8. Fill half your plate with veggies
Incorporate vegetables into your meals and try and ensure they fill half your plate. They are less energy dense than refined carbohydrates (bread, pasta and white rice) whilst being higher in fibre to keep you fuller for longer without the extra calories.
9. Fake the takeaway
Takeaways can be a large part of university life. Let’s face it, they’re quick, easy and often cheap, but they’ll eventually make themselves known on your waistlines. Try limiting yourself to one takeaway a week and cooking from scratch instead.
Hint: Challenge yourself and your flatmates to create your own ‘fakeaway’ versions of your favourite takeaways!
10. Shop in the evening – but never when hungry
Shopping in the evening is when you’ll get the best deals. Ransack the reduced section for fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Ensure you’ve had dinner first though as you’re likely to buy higher calorie food if you’re hungry.
There you have my top tips for staying healthy at university, which I hope are of help. Follow my Instagram @jennahopenutrition for more recipe ideas and nutrition tips.
Easy recipe – banana and oat cookies
These banana and oat cookies are the perfect healthy afternoon pick-me-up or breakfast on the go. They’re cheap and quick to make and they require minimal washing up, always a bonus.
Ingredients:
- 1 large overly ripe banana
- 70g porridge oats
- 25g raisins
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°
- Mash the banana in a bowl and then add the oats, raisins, cinnamon and honey. Mix until well combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mix into small cookies and place on a lined baking tray.
- Place the tray into the oven for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Store in an air tight container for 2 days or freeze.
Healthy NTU 