5 Simple Tips to Avoid the Freshmen 15

As if there isn't already enough to worry about when starting college, you also have to deal with the freshmen 15. I'm sure you have heard of it; we all have, and we have all dreaded it. Now, I have two things to tell you about it. I have a good news and a bad one. I'm gonna start with the good news followed by the bad news. Although i usually prefer the other way around. 

The Good News is that the freshmen 15 is a myth. That's right. Multiple research have found that you don't really gain 15 pounds your first year of college. That's bull. In fact, 15% of college students actually lose weight their first year of college! No one really knows who came up with that number but it's all bogus. I can already hear everyone's sigh of relief all the way from here. 

If you were just sighing a moment ago, not so fast. Even though you don't really gain 15 pounds your first year of college,

The Bad News is that you still gain some weight. Researchers have found that the average amount of weight an individual gains their freshmen year ranges from 2.5 - 5 pounds. It's not 15 pounds but it still makes an impact on your health. Studies show that gaining weight in college can actually set a precedent for continuous weight gain throughout your life. So your 3 pound weight gain might seem like nothing to really worry about but as you get older, 3 pounds will turn into 6 pounds, then to 12 pounds and pretty soon you won't recognize yourself.  

It's great that you don't have to fret about gaining 15 pounds your freshmen year. However, you still have to worry about staying healthy, which can be pretty hard to do when you're dealing with the ups and downs of the college life. That's where I come in. I have arranged a list of 5 simple things you can do to stay healthy while in college. 

1. Don't let the Dinning Hall play you. 

In the words of DJ Khaled, don't ever play yourself! The dinning hall at most colleges look like an all-you-can-eat buffet. You might think you've hit the jackpot once you discover the amount of junk food available to you but don't jubilate just yet. I understand that you're finally on your own, there's no one to tell you what to do, and you're just ready to let lose. Trust me, eating pizza and chicken wings everyday might seem like a good idea at first, but pretty soon you would wish you hadn't. I suggest varying your meals a little. While getting your meal make sure you hit the salad bar for a change. Instead of cookies for desert, how about some fruits?

2. Avoid stress eating

College is a lot to handle and adjust to as a freshmen. From getting used to this new life, juggling your classes and whatnot, it's very easy to just sit in your dorm and eat the stress away. Sometimes you might not even realize that you turn to food for comfort when you're stressed, bored or homesick. So make sure to ask yourself if you're eating because you're hungry or just for the heck of it.

3. Don't let alcohol sneak up on you

You're obviously not supposed to drink as a freshmen, but who am i kidding here? Some of you guys could not careless for the rules. If you choose to be a rebel and drink, pace yourself. Alcoholic beverages are jam packed with calories and they quickly add up. Also while under the influence, you won't make the smartest food choices. Instead of eating a handful of chips, you might just eat the whole bag!

4. Snack smart

Instead of the potato chips and M&Ms, try snacking on baby carrots, pretzels, granola bars, grapes, and the likes. You don't want to have a giant bag of chips staring at you while you're frantically cramming for that midterm in the morning. Sooner rather than later, you're going to open that bag of chip and the rest will be history.

5. Stay Active 

Most colleges have a fitness center available to students. You don't have to become a gymaholic, you can set your own workout schedule. Maybe find some friends to workout with? You can also try to walk or bike to class instead of driving or taking the bus. 

Bonus Tip: skip the sodas and drink water! Drink lots and lots of water.

Do you have more tips? comment below!

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