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The Top Tips and Hacks for Cooking and Eating Healthy While Studying Abroad in Canada ; a blog from Santamonica Study Abroad Pvt. Ltd.

Studying abroad in Canada is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also pose some challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. You may be tempted to indulge in fast food, junk food, or processed food, especially when you are busy with classes, assignments, and social activities. However, eating well is not only important for your physical health, but also for your mental and emotional well-being.

Eating healthy while studying abroad does not have to be difficult, expensive, or boring. With some planning, creativity, and tips from this blog post, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that will keep you energized, focused, and happy. Here are some of the top tips and hacks for cooking and eating healthy while studying abroad in Canada:

1. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time.

One of the best ways to eat healthy while studying abroad is to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. This will help you avoid impulse buying, overspending, and wasting food. You can use a weekly planner, a calendar, or an app to plan your menu for the week, based on your schedule, budget, and preferences. You can also check the flyers or websites of the local grocery stores to find out what is on sale or in season, and plan your meals accordingly. Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time will also help you prepare your ingredients, cook your food, and store your leftovers in advance. You can use a Sunday afternoon or a free evening to do some meal prep, such as chopping vegetables, cooking grains, making sauces, or baking muffins. You can then store your food in containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date and the name of the dish. This way, you can easily grab and go, or heat and eat, whenever you need a quick and healthy meal or snack.

2. Cook your own meals and experiment with different cuisines

Cooking your own meals is not only cheaper and healthier than eating out, but also more fun and satisfying. You can control the ingredients, the portions, and the flavors of your food, and customize it to your liking. You can also use cooking as a way to relax, express yourself, and learn new skills. Cooking your own meals does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can start with some simple and easy recipes, such as pasta, stir-fry, soup, or salad, and gradually expand your repertoire. You can also experiment with different cuisines, spices, and herbs, and discover new tastes and textures. You can use the internet, cookbooks, magazines, or blogs to find inspiration and guidance for your cooking adventures. You can also ask your friends, classmates, or host family for their favorite recipes, and exchange tips and tricks.

3. Shop smart and stock up on healthy staples

Shopping smart and stocking up on healthy staples is another key to eating healthy while studying abroad. You can save money, time, and effort by buying your groceries in bulk, at discount stores, or at farmers’ markets. You can also look for coupons, deals, or specials, and compare prices and quality before you buy. Some of the healthy staples that you should always have in your pantry, fridge, or freezer are:

• Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, or whole wheat bread
• Legumes, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, or hummus
• Nuts, seeds, and nut butters, such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or peanut butter
• Fruits and vegetables, fresh, frozen, or canned, such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
• Dairy products or alternatives, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or soy milk
• Eggs, tofu, or other sources of protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, or beef
• Healthy oils, such as olive, canola, or coconut oil
• Condiments, such as salt, pepper, garlic, onion, vinegar, soy sauce, or mustard
• Herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, cumin, turmeric, or cinnamon

Having these healthy staples on hand will allow you to whip up a variety of meals and snacks, without having to run to the store every time.

4. Eat a balanced and varied diet

Eating a balanced and varied diet is essential for your health and well-being. You should aim to eat a variety of foods from the four food groups: vegetables and fruits, grains, protein, and dairy or alternatives. You should also limit your intake of foods that are high in fat, sugar, or salt, such as chips, candy, soda, or fast food. A balanced and varied diet will provide you with the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you need to function optimally. It will also help you prevent or manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. It will also boost your immune system, your energy levels, and your mood.

To eat a balanced and varied diet, you can follow these tips:

• Fill half of your plate with vegetables and fruits, preferably of different colors and types
• Fill a quarter of your plate with whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, or whole wheat bread
• Fill the remaining quarter of your plate with protein, such as eggs, tofu, chicken, fish, or beans
• Add a serving of dairy or alternatives, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or soy milk
• Drink plenty of water, and limit your intake of sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, or energy drinks
• Snack on healthy foods, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, or yogurt, and avoid processed or packaged snacks, such as cookies, bars, or chips

Treat yourself occasionally, but not too often, to your favorite foods, such as chocolate, ice cream, or pizza, and enjoy them in moderation.

5. Cook and eat with your friends or host family

Cooking and eating with your friends or host family is not only a great way to eat healthy while studying abroad, but also a great way to bond, socialize, and learn. You can share your recipes, your stories, and your cultures, and have fun and meaningful conversations. You can also learn from each other, and discover new foods, flavors, and traditions.

Cooking and eating with your friends or host family can also help you overcome homesickness, loneliness, or stress. You can feel more connected, supported, and appreciated, and have a sense of belonging. You can also express your gratitude, appreciation, and respect, and show your interest and curiosity.

Some of the ways that you can cook and eat with your friends or host family are:

• Invite them over to your place, or go to their place, and cook a meal together, or take turns cooking for each other
• Go to a grocery store, a farmers’ market, or a specialty store, and buy ingredients together, or try new foods
• Go to a restaurant, a café, or a food truck, and order different dishes, or share a platter
• Join a cooking class, a workshop, or a club, and learn new skills, techniques, or recipes
• Join a potluck, a picnic, or a barbecue, and bring a dish, or sample different dishes