One thing I get asked a lot as I’m always posting healthy foods on my Instagram is how on earth do I manage to stay on a healthy eating plan and train hard whilst at university. Personally, I don’t find it that difficult. Don’t get me wrong, I always get the temptation from the boys on the group chat to grab a takeaway on a Wednesday night then party out till 4am and somehow make my 9am lecture on time. But really, it’s all about finding that right balance and enjoying yourself.
I believe with the right balance, it can easily be achieved and I’m going to share with you my simple tips to stay fit, healthy and lean whilst you’re at university.
1. Exercise
One of the beauties of being at university is that there are so many sports societies. I’m currently in my final year of my undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University and their still so many sports societies I would love to get involved in. It’s not just a great way to stay fit and in shape, it’s great way to socialise and meet new people, especially if you’re a fresher. Before you know it, you’re involved in a sport, you're keeping active and enjoying it with your friends!
2. Prepare cheap and easy healthy meals in advance!
I know this can be quite tricky as many universities will have numerous amount of fast food vouchers being handed around halls and campuses. Let’s be honest, if you get a buy one and get one free pizza voucher, it’s hard to say no. What I always do to help control what I eat, when I eat, how much and the cost of my meals is to meal prep. This is where you prepare your food in advance and take them with you if you have a long day at uni. I won’t lie, it does sound quite boring, but you can jazz up your meals and most importantly, give your body what it needs throughout the day. If you’re stuck for ideas, head to my Instagram for some meal prep ideas.
3. Don’t eat out too much
This one ties into the point above and speaks for itself really. Too much eating out can result in them sneaky lbs being added to your waistline which no one wants. My advice, don’t eat out too regularly. If your friends say let’s grab a cheeky bite to eat in the city, there's nothing wrong with that but why not invite your friends around and cook some homemade food together instead. You’ll find it a lot cheaper, funnier as you get to see who’s the best and worst cook and you can control the way you cook your food.
4. Alcohol
This will and forever will be the trickiest subject of them all whilst you’re at university. I will keep it short and get straight to the point. Too much alcohol on a regular basis will not result in a 2017 summer beach body. Just don’t get to carried away with the Koppaberg and tequila and you should be fine.
5. Don’t be up till 5am every night
I know sometimes you may be doing an all-nighter in the library for that one assignment that's just becoming Mission Impossible to complete, trust me I’ve been there. But too much of this can result in your diet being out the window and most importantly, your sleep pattern being affected. This can throw off your days, provide you with little energy and it’s a hard habit to break. Try to keep late nights to a minimum or if not, make sure you rest and eat well to recover correctly!