The pressure of finals, the long-hours of studying and snacking and the late-night pizzas in your dorm can all take a toll on you. By the end of the year, many students find themselves with extra weight. According to Freshman15.com, the average weight gain for freshmen is five pounds, not 15. Whatever the number, however, making some changes will prevent you from gaining more weight and help you lose what you already gained.
Step 1
Make smart choices at the cafeteria. If you have a buffet style servings, skip the fried chicken, fries and grilled cheese sandwiches. The Health Education Department of the University of Oregon recommends staying away from dressings, bacon and mayo, and instead choosing plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt and fish.
Step 2
Buy a small fridge for your room and stock it with healthy snack options such as low-fat dairy products, fresh fruit, whole wheat crackers and a healthy dip such as cottage cheese. When the munchies hit late at night, it will be better for your waistline to reach for one of these items rather than ordering a cheese-laden pizza.
Step 3
Pack some healthy snacks to munch on between classes. If you normally stop by the vending machine between classes, having something in your backpack will stop the habit and help you lose weight. The Health Education Department of the University of Oregon suggests a piece of fruit, a small bagel, pretzels or rice cakes. If you have a sweet tooth, get dried fruit.
Step 4
Reconsider alcohol. While you’re not the legal drinking age when you’re a freshmen, the truth is that college parties often include plenty of alcohol. If you choose to drink anyway, keep in mind that a single glass of wine or a light beer have 100 calories or more. Liquid calories are not likely to fill you up, you’ll end up consuming these on top of any food you normally eat.
Step 5
Use your college’s gym. Many universities offer free access, so take advantage of it by jumping on a treadmill at least a few minutes a day. Find out what the gym’s hours are. If you’re busy with classes during the day, you could use it during the evening or early morning.
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