A student's guide to a healthy meal

Having a balanced plate essentially means eating a balanced diet. It's an important part of maintaining good health and can help you feel your best.

Balanced diets aren't just about eating your greens. It means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body

Let's break it down:

• ½ Vegetables/Fruits:  Prioritise vegetables like broccoli, greens, and peppers (a colour variety makes your plate look very appetising!) 
• ¼ Protein:  Chicken, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, or tofu will support muscle health and fullness.
• ¼ Whole Grains:  Use wholemeal pasta, brown rice, quinoa, or potatoes (with skin for fibre) to provide lasting energy.
• Healthy Fats:  Use small amounts of olive oil, rapeseed oil or avocado oil to cook.
• Drink:  Water and fruit teas can help add to a balanced plate, especially when eating, as carbonated drinks can make you feel fuller rather than the food itself.

Eating a balanced diet will help you stay more focused with your studies, help you sleep better, and overall feel better with your mental and physical health.