Tip of the Month - March
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.........
Easter is approaching and for some this is a time to really indulge in some serious chocolate eating. Clearly a little of what you fancy is no bad thing but we are also being given some very clear messages about the need to eat healthily.
None of this is rocket science – if you don’t eat well it’s not long before your body tells you something is not quite right; you may put on or lose weight; feel tired a lot of the time or become very agitated or anxious; find your sleep is disrupted in some way; get spots and bad skin; find yourself less able to concentrate etc.
Ultimately poor diet is linked to the very serious illnesses such as cancers, coronary diseases, diabetes etc. Food can also have an impact on your mental health.
There is lots of advice, some of it sometimes conflicting, on how to maintain a healthy diet and it’s important to find the food that is right for you. If the advice is to eat three portions of oily fish a week but you are allergic to fish, or a vegetarian, then you will need to find a different source of omega 3. If you are advised to eat lots of spinach but you hate spinach it’s better to find an alternative that you do like.
This is a really good time of year to give your diet and lifestyle an overhaul – we are coming out of the winter period when we want to comfort eat and keep snug and warm.
In the run up to the end of the academic year, getting your body and mind in shape for your exams or final deadlines will be of great benefit.
The NHS has produced some tips on how to eat healthily, called “8 Tips for Healthy Eating”.
The Counselling Service can also help you to find ways to become healthier and look after yourself.
“I was feeling very low and lacking in motivation and just couldn’t concentrate for long on my work. While talking with my counsellor I realised I often just snacked during the day, mainly on chocolate and crisps, and she explained how this could affect my mood. Since I’ve started to eat breakfast and lunch, and do a bit of exercise, I’ve become much more productive and am starting to feel loads better” (first year male student)
For more information about food and health visit the following sites:
