Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Prevent the 1st year spread

By Grant Wood

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into university. This is a time for you to grow in many different areas…but your waistline shouldn’t be one of them. Let us help you to make healthy food choices that taste great, give you energy for your studies and keep a tight waistline.

University life is fantastic! You will learn many life lessons, especially if you’re living in a ‘res’ or ‘digs’. One problem, though, is that many students put on a lot of unhealthy weight during their varsity years. Why does this happen?

Mom’s not cooking anymore, and you’re on a tight student budget, so you eat cheap, unhealthy, easy-to-prepare alternative. (Typically snacks from vending-machines, soft drinks and take-aways.) Also, you’re on your butt more than on your feet: either slaving away behind those books, or moaning away behind the bar. (And the pint of beer isn’t helping either!)

Now, we understand that staying healthy on a student budget isn’t easy, so here are examples a few healthy, affordable meals:

Breakfast

  • Eggs (high in protein)
  • Bread and toast (low GI, if possible)
  • Fruit
  • Yoghurt

Lunch

  • Lean meats: beef, chicken, turkey, ostrich and fish: tuna, mackerel, sardines (rich in omega-3 fatty acids)
  • You can also include foods such as avocados, fruit, vegetables
  • Mixed vegetables (just toss them in water you boiled in the kettle – you don’t even need to boil them).
  • Balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, herbs or lemon juice to add some flavour.

Mix and match any of these choices and you’ll have a week’s worth of healthy lunches to keep you going throughout the day.

Dinner

Restaurants that serve wholesome, nutrient-rich meals aren’t cheap. Yes, yes – it’s easier to go to the closest fast-food outlet and grab a greasy burger, but even if it makes you feel full it won’t be for long and you’ll soon be craving more food.

If you’re able to cook food in your dorm room, write up a weekly dinner menu and buy all your groceries in advance so you have them on hand.

Quick, nutritious dinner options include:

  • Chicken or tuna salad
  • Stir fry
  • Pasta
  • beef, chicken and ostrich burgers
  • Stews

When you buy your groceries in advance it saves time and money.

Once you’ve sorted out your meals for the week, draw up an exercise programme – healthy eating and nutrition go hand-in-hand…and you don’t need to join a gym.

Try:

  • Jogging
  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Surfing

And there you have it. Combine a healthy diet with an active lifestyle and you’ll physically (and mentally) fit!

For more articles on how to stay active, visit our blog.