Be warned freshers, you’re about to be let loose into a world of cheap pints, TP burgers, the Golden Horn and if you’re brave enough may even be cooking for yourself. It may all seem great at first, but when you get home at Christmas you may regret saving that extra £5 on a night out for your post-night cheesy chips and burger.
There is a lot of advice given to us before uni about safe sex and drinking responsibly, however, no one warns us of the dreaded freshers’ 15, so HCX thought we’d do you a favour and give you some tips on how to avoid the freshers’ 15:
Food/Meals: What’s not to like about a good takeaway? – They’re cheap, delicious and ready to eat instantly – but are a killer for your figure and health girls! Homemade food can taste just as delicious, and is ten times healthier than a takeout, plus it will save you money in the long run.
- Stock some pasta/rice and pesto in the house so when you’re craving a takeout you can whip up a homemade meal quickly
- Salads can be just as filling as a big bowl of pasta – try adding a little pasta or rice to your salad to make it nutritious and filling
- Still enjoy treats…but as treats not as meals
- Drink a big glass of water before and after each meal, this should fill you up before you start eating, meaning you’ll want to eat less
- When you’re craving a snack between meal times, have a glass of water and wait 20 minutes – if you’re still hungry after 20 minutes have a healthy snack (e.g. nuts or dry fruit)
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Booze: Beer bellies aren’t called beer bellies for nothing…yes, it’s great to enjoy being away from home and not having to worry about stumbling through the door on a night out to be welcomed home by your parents…alcohol contains huge amounts of calories and often triggers food cravings.
- Try a vodka and tonic instead of vodka and lemonade/coke
- Steer well away from the White Ace
- Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have – this will make you more full and hydrate you
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Late night eating: There’s always an excuse to have a night in and stuff your face with treats…You’ve had a long day of lecutures, you’re treating yourself after finishing an essay, it’s a girls movie night in, you haven’t met your dream boy after week one, or the classic post-night out binge. But there are ways to make your binge a little healthier:
- Have a cup of tea with your friends instead of feasting on cake and biscuits – the liquid will usually fill the spot
- Why not make a pretty fruit plate filled with strawberries, peaches and apples etc (or whatever fruit is in season!) – great for a girly night in accompanied by face masks and pampering
- To avoid the post-night out binge try drinking a large glass of water or two – this should fill you up, usually it’s not actually food you’re craving
- The simple solution – don’t buy any unhealthy food…If it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it!
- Try making a delicious smoothie – put whatever fruit you fancy in with a few spoons of low fat yoghurt – a great snack to fill you up when you’re craving a binge after work
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Anxiety: Got an essay due? Missing home? Exam stress? – food always seems to be the cure…But there are much healthier ways of treating stress:
- There are many services on campus to help you deal with stress – turn to them and not a bag of crisps!
- Talk to your friends about any issues you’re struggling with, you may even find out they’re going through the same thing and you can work through it together
- Having a healthy body helps you to keep a healthy mind – go for a walk or run outside, the fresh air will help to relax you
- Some fruits and vegetables are said to help reduce stress levels: oranges, green vegetables, dried apricots
Tempted to snack after a few too many vodka lemonades? Check out our article on the Top Healthy Post- Lash Snacks.
Picture Credits: www.modifiedatmospherepackagin…www.thamesreach.org.uk, www.getskinnybehappy.com, www.fitnessmagazine.com, www.iowagirleats.com