The infamous "Freshman 15" unexpectedly targets many college students. Extra weight becomes difficult to accept, especially for students who have always been thin. Unfortunately, college lifestyles are the perfect set-up for weight gain given the freedom to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and to otherwise do as you please as parental supervision is a thing of the past. According to Kidshealth.org, studies have shown that students gain three to 10 pounds, which usually occurs in the first two years of college, with most of that weight coming on in the first semester of college.
Calorie Control
College life entails long hours and hard work, which leads to unscheduled eating habits, mindless eating, and comfort eating. Dorm-food dining can turn into daily all-you-can-eat buffets. These are the avenues that stack up many unnecessary calories. Since some college students still might be growing, it is better not to diet, but instead to make healthier choices of foods, and to create a scheduled eating pattern. You should make sure you calculate your daily calorie needs, including your activity level, and be sure to stay at that calorie level. You can find your daily calorie needs with your activity level at www.caloriesperhour.com.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Laziness can be typical for college students. After arduous hours of studying and meeting other commitments in college, taking naps, sleeping in, partying, eating and socializing are easier past times than exercising. The lack of regular exercise helps to put on weight. Try to find some time during the week to exercise, even if it is three to four times and not daily, for at least 30 minutes. It does not have to be a formal workout, it can just mean walking more, or dancing to a dvd.
For example, consider walking to campus, if it close enough, so you can get extra walking time daily. Or, you can join the student sports center if there is one on campus, and enroll in a fitness class three times a week. Consider doing a sport or physical education class. If time is the issue, remember, you don't have to exercise for 30 minutes all at once; you can divide it into three or four smaller sessions.
Healthy Snacking
College students are hungry most of the time. This results in snacking, which can include high fat snacks like candy, chips, fries, milkshakes, or even a fast food meal, which invite more pounds. Keep low calorie, healthier snack choices on hand, such as whole grain crackers, low fat cheese, raisins, fruits, nuts, cut up vegetables with low fat dips, and yogurts.
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