MIL OSI – Source: Heart Foundation – Press Release/Statement
Headline: 10 survival tips for uni students
Going flatting is an important chapter in student life. It comes with many new and exciting experiences – independence, setting up your first home and living with friends (or friends-to-be). While taking on these challenges is fun, it’s important to be prepared for a few learning curves along the way.
For first-time flatters, making the transition from mum’s delicious home-cooked meals to flat dinners can seem overwhelming. Not only do you need to think about what to eat, but also grocery shopping, menu planning and budgeting. On top of this, it’s important to fuel your body with good nutrition. Making the right food choices will help you perform well, feel energised and cope with study stress.
Healthy eating in a shared-living situation doesn’t have to be tricky – it just takes planning. Here are some practical tips for setting up healthy eating habits in your flat:
1. Call a flat meeting: Decide whether you will cook individually or as a group. This is a great opportunity to learn about everyone’s food preferences, special dietary requirements and weekly routines.
2. Prepare a budget: Discuss the weekly food budget, taking into account other costs such as rent and bills. Make the most of seasonal produce and supermarket specials; these small savings will all add up.
3. Plan the meals: Set aside time to plan your weekly menu. For a well-balanced diet, remember to include a variety of foods from the main food groups.
4. Look for the Tick or Two Ticks: The Tick helps you choose healthier products within a category and Two Ticks signposts core foods for a healthy diet. Our Tick Shopping Guide will help you make healthier decisions during your next flat trip to the supermarket.
5. Build your recipe collection: While baked beans on toast makes a good ‘emergency’ meal, your flatmates probably won’t be thrilled if you serve it up week after week. Ask your friends and family for easy recipe ideas for busy weeknights.
6. Dare to experiment: Don’t be afraid to modify recipes by using ingredients you already have to hand. There are plenty of cheap and nutritious staples that can add bulk to your meal, such as dried or canned beans and legumes, rolled oats, and seasonal or frozen vegetables. .
7. Waste not, want not: Be creative with those leftovers – they usually make an easy lunch or dinner the following day.
8. Cook in bulk: Divide into single-serve portions and store them in the freezer. Not only can this save money, but also time, especially if you’re cooking for one.
9. Food safety is crucial: There is nothing worse than an outbreak of food poisoning in a shared-living space. Store food correctly, keep your workspace and cooking equipment clean and reheat food items until piping hot.
10. Enjoy the company: When possible, eat meals together at the table (or on the bean bags). It’s a great way to get to know your flatmates and enjoy the social-side to eating.
Impress your flatmates with these tasty and affordable recipe ideas or browse the Heart Foundations Affordable Eats cookbook for more inspiration.
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