Eating well and keeping active

A good balanced diet will help you stay fit and fight off any illnesses, as well keeping your energy levels high. We know it can be hard to manage finances and food shopping, but you can still have a good balanced diet while on a budget. Learning how to cook simple healthy dishes is a good start.

See the below for information, recipes and essential hints and tips:

• Breakfast ideas
• Eat Well and Change4Life
• The Eat well guide
• Batch Cooking
• BBC Good Food
• Food Hygiene
• Mindful Eating Guides
• Allergies - resources

Check out our easy to make recipes.

Ten top tips for your weekly food shop:

1. Make a list before you go. Try and think of the meals you're planning to cook throughout the week.
2. Check out the cheapest places to shop. Choose one that is closest to you.
3. Do the downshift challenge.
4. Take your own bags with you. You can pick up some funky re-useable shopping bags inexpensively.
5. Set a budget beforehand and aim to keep to it.
6. Use loyalty cards to save money.
7. Remember to check out the discount section.
8. Don't wait until your fridge is totally empty.
9. Shop mindfully. What meals could you batch cook? You could buy some of these ingredients in bulk.
10. Never go food shopping hungry! You’re far more likely to overspend when you’re peckish.

Simplify your shop, multiply your meals

Cooking and shopping don’t have to be complicated. By focusing on just one key ingredient, you can create a variety of meals that make both shopping simpler and meal planning more efficient. Below, you’ll find recipes that show how one ingredient can go a long way.

2kg bag of potatoes

A single 2kg bag of potatoes can be the starting point for loads of different dishes. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, potatoes are budget-friendly, filling, and super versatile. Below are some simple ideas to turn your spuds into meals throughout the week.

• Jacket potatoes: Pop whole potatoes in the oven or microwave until fluffy inside and crispy outside. Top with whatever you’ve got—beans and cheese, tuna mayo, leftover chilli, or coleslaw.
• Creamy mashed potato: Boil and mash with butter and a splash of milk. Serve with sausages and gravy, or use as a topping for cottage or shepherd’s pie.
• Potato curry: Sauté potatoes with spices, add tinned tomatoes, peas, or chickpeas, and simmer into a hearty, comforting curry. Serve with rice or naan.

A box of eggs

Eggs are affordable, protein-packed, and so versatile they work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. With just one box (usually 6–12 eggs), you can whip up several easy meals throughout the week.

• Shakshuka: Poach eggs in a spiced tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and peppers. Eat with crusty bread for a comforting brunch or dinner.
• Frittata: An oven-baked, crustless quiche. Use up leftover veg, cheese, or meat and slice into portions for lunches or packed meals.
• Omelette: Beat a couple of eggs and fill with whatever’s in the fridge—cheese, mushrooms, spinach, ham, or tomatoes. A 5-minute meal that feels satisfying.

We would love to have more favourite students recipes, so please send them in to us via healthyntu@ntu.ac.uk.

There are a lot of options available to make sure you have good access to food to keep you healthy.

NTSU Food Bank vouchers

If you require vouchers, please either pop into the Information & Advice Centre Office or complete the booking form.

Food Print shops offering low cost food

Visit Foodprint Sneinton, Nottingham's first social supermarket selling surplus food at low prices in. You can find it at 101 Sneinton Road, NG2 4QL and it's open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9.30 am-5 pm.

Exercise and keeping active has many benefits, from improving your sleep and appetite to helping you clear your mind and feel more positive. To find the right type of exercise for you, look for something you enjoy that you would like to commit to on a regular basis. Sport and exercise can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Remember, just 20 minutes a day is all you need to make a difference to your health and wellbeing.

NTU Sport have lots of sporting and active options for you to get involved with. Make the most of the opportunities on offer, including:

• Fitness suites
• Exercise classes
• Play for Fun
• Sport leagues
• Sports Clubs
• NTU  Moves App

UCycle Scheme

The Cycling Hub is part of a thriving cycling movement in Nottingham. You can hire a bike ideal for cycling around town, with free D locks and lights, and access to our secure storage at all three campuses. To find out more, visit Cycling at NTU.

Mindfulness Walks

Our mindfulness walks are a great way for you to take some time out, clear your head, and get re-energised. Lasting around 20 minutes the simple step-by-step guides take you on a set route. They include mindfulness exercises for you to do as and when you feel along the walk.

• Clifton Nature Walk
• City Mindfulness Walk
• Brackenhurst Mindfulness Walk
• Mansfield Nature Walk

Our Student Mental Health Champions also run regular mindfulness walks for a chance to meet new people and get into nature. Please check out our events page for further details.

Check out the walks around Nottingham.

Also check out Mind Over Mountains who have created an innovative approach, which brings together walking in nature, mindfulness and professional coaching and counselling in support of good mental health and wellbeing.