Student Nutrition
Advice On Healthy Eating While at University
Students aren’t famed for their healthy eating habits, but keeping an eye on what you eat is about more than just watching your weight and keeping your belly full. Many students find themselves feeling run down or having minor health problems that could be fixed simply by eating better foods.
We all like to indulge in ready meals and takeaways occasionally, but making them a staple part of your diet isn’t going to help you stay healthy or do well at university.
Here is a closer look at some of the things you should be including in your diet and which foods can help you feel healthier, happier, and more energised.
Calcium
You need calcium for healthy teeth and bones, and getting plenty of calcium when you’re young can prevent diseases such as osteoporosis when you’re older. The Department of Health recommends that both men and women get around 700g of calcium every day.
Calcium rich foods include milk, yoghurt, cheese, tofu, tinned sardines, broccoli, spinach, and raisins. If you can’t have dairy, there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives available in the supermarket that still contain calcium.
Vitamin D
You would usually get all the Vitamin D you need from the sun’s rays, but during the winter or when you’re spending all your time indoors studying it can be hard to get your daily dose.
Eating foods such as salmon, sardines, eggs, and fortified foods like breakfast cereals will keep you Vitamin D levels topped up.
Brain boosters
You’re going to be doing a lot of thinking at university, so eating foods that contain Omega-3 will help keep you going. Oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and tuna, as well as things like brown bread, red meat, nuts, and fruit all give your brain the boost it needs.
Spicy foods
Adding some fresh chillies, hot sauce, or warm spices such as paprika to your food will stimulate your blood flow and get your circulation going. Not only will this make you feel more energised but it will also help to avoid colds and generally keep you feeling good.
More Information
For more information on student nutrition and healthy eating plus a selection of delicious recipes please visit the pages below.
