You go to college to expand your mind, not your waistline. Still, many college students, especially those who haven't been away from their parents' home cooking and meal schedules, pack on what's called "the freshman 15." Lack of sleep, too much pizza and unhealthy university meal plans can tempt students to make food choices that contribute to weight gain. If you're aware of the freshman 15 and its causes, you can stay diligent and keep your figure.
Step 1
Visit your school's counseling center if you're having trouble adjusting to college life. A counselor can help you prevent emotional or stress eating that leads to weight gain. Consider talking to someone if your courses are especially difficult or if you're feeling increased stress.
Step 2
Make smart meal plan choices. The bulk of your meals will probably come from your campus meal plan. Most college campuses have popular fast food items and a wide range of high-calorie, high-fat snacks alongside healthier options. Go for fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins most of the time. Get three meals a day and never skip meals, recommends the American Council on Exercise.
Step 3
Eat healthy outside of the dining hall. This might prove to be more difficult. Stock up on healthy snacks for late-night cram sessions to avoid ordering pizza, hitting the vending machines or knocking back whatever is left over in the fridge. Avoid snacking late at night, unless you're legitimately hungry.
Step 4
Increase your physical activity. Join a college sports team, take a fitness class or sign up for your school's gym. Long hours sitting at a desk both in class and at the library can make you more sedentary than normal. Try biking to class instead of riding the shuttle, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Step 5
Skip binge drinking. Alcohol is a part of the college experience, but too much drinking won't just derail your studies--it'll also pack on the pounds. Treat each drink as its own snack to keep its calorie content in perspective. While you're keeping an eye on your partying, keep an eye on your sleep. Lack of sleep encourages overeating and weight gain.
Member Comments