Finally, shop for your shops. Knowing where to get the best, affordable ingredients local to you can change your attitude to home-cooking almost immediately. Bulk-buying cupboard staples, snapping up yellow-sticker foods (that you can always freeze for later) and shopping at local fruit and veg markets in your downtime are great ways to get excited about cooking from scratch.

Maintaining healthy eating habits

As the saying goes, it’s harder to stay at the top than to reach the top.

After the initial excitement has died down, meals can become monotonous, takeaways are a phone call away and the cost of vegan cheese just doesn’t seem justifiable. I get it.

Here are a few ways to keep up your motivation to maintain the habits you’ve built.

Variety! It truly is the spice of life. Try new recipes, new ingredients, and new cultures to keep those taste buds excited. Invest in 15-minute or 30-minute cookbooks, browse social media for recipes, or ask your friends for recommendations.
Time is the key ingredient. In the past, I’ve spent HOURS preparing a meal only for it to turn out … meh. Quick and easy can be just as good – a stir fry, one-pot pasta, curry – you name it.
Bargain hunting. A stir fry is a fast way to pack lots of veg into a meal. Also, shops often give away 'wonky' veg cheaper, so look out for bargains to fill your bowl with. This puts some extra money in your pocket, and as a student, who doesn’t want that?
‘Vegans eat rabbit food’. False. There’s a plant-based alternative for just about anything. Take your favourite meals and see if there’s a vegan equivalent. For example, love chicken fajitas? Why not try three-bean fajitas?
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Organisation is key, particularly when you’re incorporating something new into an already hectic schedule. Use your Sunday evening (or any day off) to bullet point your meal plans and shopping list for the week. This prevents impulsive buying and risking food waste. Pack your lunches the evening before, and always include snacks and sweet treats.
Life is about balance. A dinner date or a takeaway with friends shouldn’t be considered a cheat. It's essential that with eating healthier, you still get to enjoy your social life, memories, and the freedom and joy that food offers.

How to eat well

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How to eat well