Most college students have heard of the dreaded "freshman 15," which is part of the reason Daphne Oz created the College Dorm diet, also known as the Dorm Room diet. Eating in college dining halls or restaurants often becomes necessary because many college dorm rooms are not equipped for cooking. The Dorm Room diet is part weight loss plan and part guide to making healthy lifestyle choices during the college years that help prevent weight gain.
How It Works
The College Dorm diet began as an eight-step program to teach how to make healthy eating choices while in college. Oz's revised and updated version now includes 10 steps. Besides learning how to eat healthy, you receive guidance regarding how to limit events that could derail your goals, such as late-night study sessions. There are several rules a dieter should follow while on the Dorm Room diet. These include always eating breakfast, drinking plenty of water, eating every three hours, ceasing to eat at least two hours before bed, bringing healthy snacks with you and counting to distract yourself before eating something unhealthy.
What You Eat
The program does not specify the foods to eat, but Oz recommends healthy foods with the occasional indulgence. She suggests keeping fruits and vegetables on hand for snacks and sparkling water and grapefruit as appetite suppressants. She also makes suggestions regarding different eating situations. For example, opt for the salad bar or grilled entrees in the cafeteria. She also advises skipping soda, processed snacks, fried foods, full fat dairy products, refined grain foods and desserts. However, Oz's program allows for an occasional favorite treat in a moderate portion.
Exercise
Oz emphasizes exercise in the College Dorm diet as a healthy way to keep your weight down. Her program offers exercise tips for the gym or your dorm room and she created a workout DVD to use in conjunction with the diet. Aim for 30 minutes of daily physical activity to burn calories, prevent weight gain, promote weight loss if needed and protect your overall health.
Considerations
Oz's advice is perhaps not feasible for students on a budget. In addition, the program is targeted to females just beginning college, so much of the college population may not find the book helpful. However, if you are in college or heading there soon, Oz's College Dorm diet could help you stay at a healthy weight and learn to make good choices in a variety of situations you may face at college and upon graduation.
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