The freshman 15 doesn't have to be a rite of passage for college students. It's true that many new college students gain some weight, but that is often due to poor habits and a lack of awareness. By making sure you stay healthy and incorporating good habits, you can decrease your chance of gaining weight during your first year of college.
When students go away for college, they are often living away from home for the first time. They are doing their own grocery shopping and preparing their own meals. This means that for the first time, they are realizing that healthy eating takes some preparation and determination.
Shop Carefully
When you go to the grocery store, try not to stock up on junk food. A few treats won't hurt, but if your shopping cart is over flowing with chips and soda, you have a problem. Buy some grains, vegetables, fruits and ingredients you can use to make healthy meals.
Be careful with this tactic though. You still want to buy foods that you will actually eat. The last thing you want to do is fill your fridge with healthy things, and then go out to eat every night. Look for some recipes or easy meal ideas that include healthy ingredients, and then buy the foods you need to prepare them.
One way you can cut back on junk food is to set some restrictions. For example, you could make a plan to eat only 3 sweets a week. Or, you could buy a few treats at the grocery store, and then ration them out for the next two weeks. Once your treat stash is empty, you'll have to wait until the next time you go to the grocery store for a treat. This cuts back on midnight runs for candy and milkshakes.
Get Some Exercise
A busy schedule can make it hard to exercise, but there are lots of ways you can fit it in. For example, try biking to campus or taking a quick morning jog. You could also enroll in a sports class or participate on an intramural team. Most people are more likely to exercise when they actually enjoy the activity. Find what you enjoy and then make participating in it a habit.
Another great way to make sure you get some exercise is to buddy up. If you play on a team or have a jogging buddy, you can support and encourage each other when things get tough.
Avoiding the freshman 15 isn't the easiest thing to do. But, with a good diet and a plan to include exercise in your routine, you can help yourself stay healthy and fit.
About the Author
Jill Hardy is a writer at UniversitiesOnline.net. UniversitiesOnline.net is a great resource for students who are looking for bachelor degree programs online, so they can further their education and start a new career.
