As much as I hate to admit it, I gained a few pounds in my first year at Telfer. Chances are, you probably understand the struggle. Despite living with my parents while at university, I was not prepared to eat well. All that built up stress from assignments and exams made me stress eat during the fall semester, and the holiday season absolutely did not help my waist line. Before I knew it, the winter semester had already started, and the vicious cycle continued.
At the start of my second year of university, I decided to take matters into my own hands and curated a list of tips to eat less and save more money in the process.
1. Replace Meat with Vegetable Proteins
We need protein in our food, but it doesn’t have to be all from meat. There are a host of other more affordable options that will meet your daily needs. I know how difficult this can be for us carnivores, but even a few vegetables won’t kill us. Adapting a delayed gratification approach surely makes a world of a difference and allows us to indulge in a flank steak (or whatever cut you prefer) in intervals later. This made me appreciate meat even more.
2. Avoid Eating to Fill a Void
It’s dangerous for your waistline and your wallet. The next time you have a craving, drink some water and see if it makes a difference. Sometimes, our body just need water when we’re hungry. Definitely don’t starve yourself but be mindful of your mindless eating habits.
3. Tame the Kitchen
Don’t be intimidated. With time and practice, everyone can learn to cook (yes, even you!). YouTube can help you. First learn the basics, then put them into practice. Even recipes like the one found below can be made with little effort. All you need is; broccoli, cheese, potatoes, sausages and a lot (or a small amount if you’d like) of hot sauce.
4. Rethink the Alcohol
Finally, the elephant in the room. We all enjoy our bourbon or a few glasses of wine, and there is nothing wrong with it, if it is a few glasses and not bottles. Since alcohol can affect your mental health (not good while at school, or ever), cause weight gain and is expensive, it’s better to just keep your eye on the prize – healthier body and heavier wallet.
Those were just a few tips that I hope you find useful. If you see me on campus and have a few tips of your own or even recipes that you find delicious, don’t hesitate to talk to me and share. There’s nothing I love more than trying something new.
About the Author
Carl Michel René is a second year accounting student at the Telfer School of Management. Trying to reach him? He’s probably getting the gains at the gym or following in Lebron’s footsteps on the court.
