This week Bana, Women Students Community Officer, is hosting a campaign called Beyond the Plate to raise awareness and understanding of eating disorders within the student community. As part of the campaign, we asked the Active Lifestyle and Sport Team to support and alongside an informative event taking place throughout the week, they have also written a blog on fuelling your body.
This week Bana, Women Students Community Officer, is hosting a campaign called Beyond the Plate to raise awareness and understanding of eating disorders within the student community. As part of the campaign, we asked the Active Lifestyle and Sport Team to support and alongside an informative event taking place throughout the week, they have also written a blog on fuelling your body.
At RHUL Sport, we want to help you fuel your body with nutritious food that fits a student budget. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; it’s about finding a balance of fiber, proteins, and healthy fats to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Navigating the Supermarket
A simple way to shop is to focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients. While the fresh produce aisles are a great place to start, don't be afraid of the middle aisles!
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Fresh & Frozen Produce: Start with staples like apples, bananas, and carrots. Potatoes are incredibly versatile whether boiled, mashed, or roasted, they are high in fiber and very affordable.
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Top Tip: Check the frozen aisle for broccoli, peas, and berries. They are often cheaper than fresh, just as nutritious, and won’t go off before you can use them.
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Plant-Based: Don’t overlook beans, chickpeas, and lentils. These are "cupboard heroes"—packed with protein and fiber, they are some of the cheapest ingredients in the store.
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The Pantry Staples: Head to the grain aisle for oats, brown rice, and wholewheat pasta. For bread, look for wholegrain or sourdough options with minimal additives. These provide slow-release energy to power your workouts and lectures.
Bringing Food to Life
Healthy food should never be boring. The secret lies in the seasoning!
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Flavour: Stock up on salt, pepper, paprika, and mixed herbs. A little goes a long way in transforming a simple chicken tray-bake or a bean chili.
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Sweet Treats: If you have a sweet tooth, try making your own energy bites. Mix oats, honey, a little butter, and some 85% dark chocolate in a pan for a delicious, crunchy snack that hits the spot without the heavy processing of store bought biscuits.
Get Creative
There are thousands of budget-friendly recipes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Don’t be afraid to experiment, swap ingredients based on what’s on sale, and most importantly enjoy your food!