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Eat well

   
   

The benefits of good nutrition

Eating a healthy balanced diet not only helps us look and feel good, it helps us to stay healthy.

Benefits include : 

  • increased energy and stamina   
  • improved sleep and concentration 
  • a positive impact on your mood and well-being
  • more stamina   
  • helps you to maintain a healthy body weight 
  • lowers your risk of developing chronic health risks such as heart disease and cancer.
Student eating sushi

Eat happy 

 
 

Cheap as chips!

Eating healthily doesn't have to cost you a fortune or take lots of time to prepare. Buying your food and making your own meals is often much cheaper than buying ready-made meals, takeaways and eating out. 

Student shopping for food

Top tips for healthy meals on a student budget:

  • get organised, with some planning you can eat healthy meals on a budget
  • buy store brands instead of well-known ones. They’re usually cheaper and taste just as good.
  • canned or frozen fruit and vegetables can be cheaper than fresh and just as healthy. They also contribute to your 5-a-day 
  • shop locally and compare prices. Local shops and markets can be cheaper than the supermarket
  • vegetables are often cheaper than meat- try cooking a few more veggie meals
  • portion size, try not to eat more than you need
  • pasta is both filling and cheap. Go for whole-grain options if possible
  • buy seasonal fruit and vegetables; they will be cheaper and can be frozen to eat later
  • take your own lunch; its a lot cheaper, and you have control of what you eat
  • eat a good breakfast; porridge is a great cheap and healthy choice. A good breakfast means you won’t be tempted to snack later
  • share your shop. Two- for- one deals can be a good buy if there is two of you to split the portions and the cost.
 
NHS eat well plate

What does a healthy diet really mean?

The nutrients we need for a healthy body and mind consist of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Knowing what these do for you and your body will help you stay healthy!

The NHS' eatwell plate shows the different types of food we need to eat – and in what proportions – to have a well balanced and healthy diet

Download a larger, print-friendly version (PDF) of the eatwell plate. Visit the NHS website for more information on healthy eating.

 

5-a-day

Fruit in supermarket 
Try to have five portions of fruit and veg a day. They're a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, and can help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. Are you getting your five-a-day?

BMI (body mass index)

 Scales and measuring tape
BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height. Your age and sex is also taken into consideration.
Find out your BMI number by using the NHS BMI healthy weight calculator.

Healthy U recipes

 Sat Bains in kitchen
Sat Bains cooks some quick and easy HealthyU recipes for three students in his Michelin Star Restaurant in Nottingham. Submit your healthy recipes. The best ones will be uploaded to the HealthyU website!

 

Emotions and eating

Do you have food rituals?  Do you exercise excessively to control your weight? Are you obsessed about your calorie intake?  Do you comfort eat when feeling emotional? 

If any of these sound familiar, then it is important to get help. Anyone, regardless of sex, age, cultural or racial background can develop an eating disorder.

If you feel you would like advice or more information on these issues, you can talk to your GP. Alternatively, the confidential University Counselling Service and the Students' Union's Advice Centre are available if you need someone to talk to.  

Getting help

 

Useful links

Students shopping in supermarket

 

 

 

 

The University of Nottingham

University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5151
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 3666
email: enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk