1. Steer Clear of Dining Hall Fat
It's tempting to go to the dining hall and fill up your plate with french fries, pizza and ice cream. But if you don't want to gain the freshman 15, pile your plate high with fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of all of those fatty treats. Grab a slice of whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Eat a salad as a side dish instead of french fries, and have a bowl of strawberries for dessert instead of cookies, cake or ice cream.
2. Watch Your Portions
When you're avoiding the freshman 15, you need to pay attention not only to what you're eating every day, but to how you're eating it. Avoid eating while you're studying or watching TV since you may end up eating more than you intended. Eat smaller portions at the dining hall, take your time eating and don't go back to get second and third servings unless you're genuinely hungry. Also make sure to eat three meals a day and to avoid late-night binges.
3. Kick That Nasty Habit
Thinking about having a few beers with your friends tonight? Think again. Alcohol is packed with empty calories that fatten up your stomach and all of your other problem areas. Drinking excessively will make you pack on the pounds, so if you want to maintain a healthy figure, have a glass of water instead. If you're going to drink, have just one or two drinks instead of finishing off the whole case of beer.
4. Take the Stairs
With all of the studying and socializing you're doing during your first year of college, you may not be making the time to exercise. It's time to stop making excuses and start exercising at least three to four times a week. Go to the university gym for a quick morning or evening work out, take a jog or a bike ride around campus, join an intramural sport or take an aerobics, yoga or dance class. You can even incorporate smaller workouts into your day by always taking the stairs instead of the elevator and by doing sit-ups, push-ups and jumping jacks in your dorm room.
5. Sleep Off Those Pounds
If your busy college schedule is stressing you out and making you tired, instead of eating away your stress, go to sleep. Getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night can help you maintain a healthy mind and body and ward off those unwanted pounds. To make sure you're getting an adequate amount of sleep each night, go to bed and get up around the same time each day. Avoid excessive partying. It only adds to your food and alcohol consumption and takes away from your precious hours of sleep.
Member Comments