Taking up a full-time course is a big adjustment in lifestyle, especially for those students living away from home for the first time.
The increase in physical exercise can leave new students too tired to look after themselves properly.
Then there are extra demands such as an increase in study load and travelling time, and routine chores like paying bills that were once handled by mum and dad.
It can leave students without much energy to deal with important jobs like shopping and meals. But with some planning and thought, students can soon develop independence and find their own feet.
When moving away from home, it is easy to skip the shopping and cooking and instead indulge in everything an independent life has to offer, such as delicious meals out, late nights and excessive socialising (at the expense of wellbeing).
However, in terms of nutrition, it’s really important to take the time to understand and reflect upon the specific needs of your body, and aim to meet those needs adequately.
In simple terms, aim not to over-eat or under-eat – doing either can make it hard to manage your body and how well you perform in the studio or on stage. And neither helps your confidence in your own ability to take care of yourself independently.
If you have moved to a new neighbourhood, make it a priority to explore your local shops and find the local market or supermarket and other shops you will visit regularly. Find a new GP/physio/gym/health team and, of course, the best place for a cup of coffee or tea!
Without doubt, the most important way to take care of shopping, cooking and eating is to be super-organised. Set a budget and make a routine for yourself.
I suggest putting aside a set time one day of each week to plan your main meals ahead of time – meals which include your nutritional needs, such as fresh veggies and lean protein and don’t require lengthy preparation. Then write your shopping list (which you try to stick to!), then sort out what needs to be stored, cooked or frozen.
Some people try to cook a handful of meals on a Sunday, then freeze portions for the week. Some good freezer friendly foods are bolognese sauce (cook pasta fresh); soups (any); casseroles or slow cooked meals.
Managing your body and weight isn’t easy when you’re living independently. If you’re feeling like you need guidance and support from a professional who can help you manage your own unique needs, see a sports dietitian in your area (www.sportsdietitians.com.au).
Meal mastery:
1. Get organised – write a shopping list and aim to only go weekly or on a regular but not too frequent basis
2. Plan your dinners ahead of time, and prepare as much as you can to minimise the work needed on the day
3. Find your local market, supermarket and shops – ask around
4. Invest in a slow cooker – they are a fantastic way to just throw together a bunch of ingredients in the morning and come home to a fresh, hot meal at night.
5. Get help! From your parents, friends, colleagues, teachers and health team. This might be with easy recipes, tips on shopping at markets, emotional support or group dinners.
This article was first published in the August-September 2014 issue of Dance Australia magazine.