An easy-to-follow guide showing you how they can

As a Nutrition and Dietetics student, one of the first things that people say to me is ‘Wow, that must mean you are SO healthy!’, and to an extent, yes, but it’s not that simple. It’s true – I do eat quite healthily, but that’s because I like to eat that way to nourish my mind and body and I enjoy experimenting with food and love how it tastes and always make sure I get my veggies in. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I also include sweet treats in my everyday too – no deprivation here… being a student is hard enough!

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‘Eat the rainbow’

The first thing that I say to people when they say ‘I want to start eating healthily’ is that it doesn’t have to be boring. There are so many different ways that you can incorporate vegetables – into a stir-fry, stew, curry, roasted or mashed – and buying them in season or frozen could save you money too! When doing your weekly grocery shop, always keep an eye out for the reduced section and offers, or share a big bag of carrots with your flatmates to munch with you! The fruit and veg market on in Guildford runs every Friday and Saturday and is a great way to spend an hour or so – choosing your fresh produce (without the plastic, and at great prices!) Find the things you like too – don’t eat peas if you prefer corn, and don’t just have bland, boiled veg ‘because you have to’.

Experimenting is one of my favourite ways to describe cooking, because that is basically what it is. Incorporate various textures, colours and flavours onto your plate to make it interesting and you’ll create a balanced, nutritious meal. Task yourself to ‘Eat the rainbow’ as well.

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Simple recipes are great – you can find an abundance online nowadays, and there are even foodie Instagram accounts for inspiration if you are stuck (the aesthetic pictures help to motivate you too! – but just a warning that yours might not look as pretty – that’s okay!) You don’t have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen don’t despair.

Surrey Moves

A brief interlude from food (I need to stop myself as I could talk about it all day…) and on to: Moving – another very important aspect of keeping ourselves healthy and happy – both minds and bodies. Signing up to Surrey Moves may generate awards for keeping up your steps! Get involved in ‘Monday Runday’ organised by the Athletics club – they head out in hoards for a run around Guildford, in a group to suit your pace. Active Freshers is also an excellent way to try out the different sports on offer here at Surrey and happens at the Sports Park every year, although I’m sure that if you missed it you can message to ask about a taster session.

Lunches

Back to food (I had to… I’m sorry). When it comes to lunches, lots of people get stuck and tend to buy things ‘on-the-go’; I have some tips on how to reduce this regular occurrence. 1. Cook meals in bigger batches when you have time so that you have leftovers for lunch the next day (or more). 2. Have something quick and easy like pasta, sandwiches, wraps, soup, or a thrown-together salad. 3. Invest in some Tupperware – this can save your bacon (excuse the foodie pun) when you’re stuck with leftovers not knowing where they should go. And, 4. If you are on campus and get stuck hungry, I think that Hillside have a good selection of meals and change up their menu every day, reasonable prices; and also a salad bar too!

Last but not least – make it fun! Two of the best things that you can do for your health are to eat well and to move your body, but neither has to be a chore! Going out for a walk with your friend is free, allows connection, exercise and fresh air. Planning your meals so you know what to buy in your next grocery shop could save you not only money, but time and food waste too. They say that everything is down to the preparation, so if you invest just a little more time and thought into it, you’ll reap the rewards, I’m sure.