Words by Emily Huelin
Up late revising? Craving those tempting donuts in the cupboard? Keep scrolling for three healthy cheap alternatives. Your grades and waistline will thank me later…
Student life – It’s a hard time and you don’t want to be either starving or eating Dominos because neither is good for you! You’re short on time, so you’re left with the difficult decision between the microwave ready meal and the trusty Chinese down the road.
It’s time to stop bad habits and indulge in some of these yummy AND healthy recipes that will boost your mood and grades.
1. BAKED EGG IN AVOCADO
Serves 2 – Cost £3.50 – 384 Calories – Prep Time 5 mins – Cook Time 15-20 mins
Here’s a super quick and healthy snack idea that will set you up for a busy day. Packed with nutritional goodness and various health benefits, it will most definitely be a popular choice for the rest of your revision buddies.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Avocados reduce the risk of cancer and liver damage.
- Maintains blood sugar levels and contains antioxidants.
- Eggs are a good source of high quality, inexpensive protein.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 eggs
- 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
- Selection of cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 tbp. Chives, finely chopped
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. With a spoon, create a larger hole in the middle of each side of the avocado by scraping out about 1 tablespoon.
- Place the avocado halves into a baking dish, with the inside facing upwards.
- Carefully crack an egg into each half of the avocado, ensuring no spillage.
- Sprinkle on the chopped cherry tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, depending on how well you like your eggs done. I prefer my eggs slightly runny so I tend to leave them in for 15 minutes.
2. BANANA PANCAKES
Serves 2 – Cost £6 – 249 Calories – Prep Time 5 mins – Cook Time 10 mins
These banana pancakes are the best invention a breakfast-junkie could come by, they are super healthy and really easy to make.
Say hello to the healthy alternative to your favourite American style pancakes. Wonderfully fluffy and the most delicious (and easy) start to your day. Now let’s talk about the health benefits…
HEALTH BENEFITS
- A good pre or post work-out food, low in calories but high in protein.
- Re-charge you and give your muscles the boost they much need after a work-out.
- Carbohydrates and some protein to sustain you through the busy hours revising.
INGREDIENTS
- Coconut oil or melted butter for frying
- 2 large bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- Runny honey and fruit to sprinkle on top
- Flaxseed mix
METHOD
- In a mixing bowl, mash up the bananas until slightly smooth.
- Whisk the eggs into the mashed banana.
- Add the blueberries to the mix and give a final mix
- Heat the coconut oil or butter into a non-stick pan.
- With a large ladle spoon, carefully pour the mix into the pan.
- Cook for a few minutes each side, until lightly crisp and brown.
- Top with honey and fruit, put the kettle on and enjoy!
3. PEANUT BUTTER, HONEY AND BANANA TOAST
Serves 1 – Cost £4.50 – 245 Calories – Prep Time 5 mins – Cook Time 3 mins
Sometimes life is tidy, organised and served with perfection. Other times, it’s simplistic, quick and slightly sticky – the ideal combination when your mind is too busy focusing on deadlines.
This easy and healthy treat is the perfect snack to feed those almighty revision carb cravings – without feeling guilty!
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Contains healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fibre and complex carbs.
- The combination of protein and fibre will ensure you feel full for longer.
- Sustained energy released from the carbs.
INGREDIENTS
- Bread of your choice – I recommend Sourdough or Rye bread for extra healthy points.
- Peanut Butter
- 2 bananas
- Honey
METHOD
- Lightly toast your bread of choice and spread with peanut butter.
- Chop the bananas and place on top of the toast.
- Drizzle with honey and voila! Your easy, healthy, protein packed revision snack.
