Eating healthy at University

If you have just embarked upon your first year at university, you are no doubt settling into life as a more independent person. Starting university for the first time is exciting and challenging, with so much to do and think about and eating healthily on a budget could be very low down on your agenda.

However, try not to be disheartened about the cost of food; discover how cheap and easy healthy meals and a healthy routine can be.

Here are a few tips to help get you started on a heart healthy year:

• Base meals on starchy foods like pasta or rice, cheaper when bought in bulk. Add frozen vegetables to help you get your 5 a day; they are cheap, convenient and packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
• Kick start your metabolism with a heart healthy breakfast that will keep you alert and satisfied until lunchtime.
• Freeze wholemeal bread and just thaw what you need, when you need it.
• Make use of canned beans and pulses, they are inexpensive, excellent sources of protein.
• Canned oily fish is packed with heart healthy Omega-3 and so convenient.
• Don’t be tempted by processed or takeaway foods, high in fat, salt and sugar.
  
• Check labels to ensure fat, salt and sugar contents are low.
• Keep hydrated, alert and refreshed; remember to drink plenty of water.
• Have a great time without the empty calories, expense and hangovers you get from alcohol.

You can also stay active to keep your heart healthy by joining a university sports club or team, a great way to meet new friends. Eating and living healthily will help you look good and feel great on even the tightest of budgets!

For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 297 6206 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk

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