Did you know that the average student puts on a stone during their first year at university? Living away from your parents can hold ballooning pitfalls that only seem to be brought to light once the damage is done- usually on return home for the Christmas break when your ever so tactful nan declares ‘blimey you’ve turned into a porker’ over Christmas pudding.
It almost seems impossible to avoid the first year bulge as you fully immerse yourself into university life: £1 a pint deals and regular trips to the 24 hour McDonalds on the 3am walk home is undoubtedly going to take its toll on your waistline. You no longer have access to your parent’s home cooked food, and you no longer have to endure their lectures and nagging about the consequences of unwise choices (last night’s left over pizza for breakfast, anyone?), and slowly but surely the pounds creep on.
By following these guidelines and making smart choices (opt for diet fizzy drinks, swap chocolate for fruit or cereal bars and ask yourself do you really need a side of chips with your sandwich?), then your jeans’ zip should remain running smoothly throughout your time at university.
Drink wisely.
Alcohol is extremely calorific due to being high in sugar- ditch the wine and pints, as a glass of wine roughly has the same amount of calories as four cookies, whilst the average pint of larger or cider clocks in around 250 calories, which is about equivalent to a slice of pizza. Drinking five pints of lager a week adds up to about 44,200 calories over a year, equivalent to eating 221 doughnuts, so no wonder your jeans are feeling snug. Instead, opt for clear spirits and diet mixers for the most waistline friendly tipple.
Get some shut eye.
Like you need another excuse for a nap anyway. Studies have repeatedly shown that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain; one of the reasons for this is that your body craves sugary food for energy to compensate for insufficient rest.
Avoid late night takeaways.
The occasional kebab every now and again is not a reason to panic, but religiously having a takeaway after every night out is. Make extra dinner in the evening and plate it up ready for when you get in; better for your wallet and your waist. If temptation normally gets the better of you, do not take enough money out with you to allow for a takeaway- budget your night without food.
Get moving.
One hour of exercise takes up only 4% of your day, so surely you can manage 60 minutes of physical activity three times a week? Take advantage of university gym memberships which are often a lot cheaper than public leisure centre rates, join a sports team or society or round your friends up and attend an exercise class such as Spinning or Pilates. Paying for a gym membership may seem like a big expense out of your budget, but it should motivate you to go as you won’t want to waste your money. Exercise will not only help to manage your weight but will also provide you with an opportunity to de-stress, which is vital whilst studying hard.
Never food shop on an empty stomach.
The Daily Mail published research from McGill University in Montreal which showed that the hormone Ghrelin, which is released when we feel hungry, makes food seem more appealing than usual. Hitting the supermarket aisles with your tummy rumbling means that you are likely to spend more on sugary, high-fat snacks because your blood sugar is low. Most supermarkets have seasonal offers on fruit and vegetables so cram as many as possible into your trolley; they are packed with fibre and antioxidants that will reduce the fat storing effects that alcohol has.
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