Healthy take on student life

GOING to university for the first time, students face a lot of unknowns, so Emily and Sophie Martin have produced a ‘‘guide’’ to provide some insight and practical tips to help them cope with the turbulent time.

The 22yearold twins from Wellington became popular on Instagram as the ‘‘Tasty Twins’’ after they began sharing their favourite recipes during their first year at the University of Otago.

‘‘When we first went to university there were a lot of unknowns — it was a whole new world. We would have loved some sort of guide ourselves.’’

The twins’ love of food has come from their grandmother and mother, who showed their love through cooking.

The recipes they have devised for the book are their favourites, not just a cookbook as they were keen to produce a more holistic guide and provide advice on exercise, budgeting and living in a flat.

Also included is a focus on mental health as ‘‘Em and I really wanted to break the stigma around it’’.

They each share their story of how they coped during those first few tough years as students.

‘‘There were ups and downs. We’ve grown up a lot and become more independent.’’

In the book, they share tips and strategies for tackling anxiety and depression based on their own experiences as students living away from home.

They also promote physical exercise and its benefits and have included simple athome workouts as well as gym routines approved by a fitness instructor. minutes

minutes

DF, RSF, V

1 cup rolled oats cup threaded coconut cup almond milk

1 tsp vanilla essence dash of cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

Optional toppings

Greek yoghurt, sliced banana, peanut butter, berries

Method

1. Heat oven to 180degC. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

3. Spread the mixture out to form two pizza bases on prepared baking trays.

4. Place in the oven for 10 minutes until golden.

5. Top with your fave toppings.