So as the story goes, many students go into college with the “freshman 15” cloud over their head and are conscious about gaining a few pounds while away at college. Believe me, it is hard to fight the urge to order Campus Corner late at night, or visit the RAC and order mozzarella sticks a few times a week. However, the freshman 15 is nothing to fret about with the right diet and lifestyle habits.
I found it easiest to avoid the freshman 15 with a really active and nutritious lifestyle. One of the big things I had to learn was that food is fuel for your body, if you put good in, you will get good out. Eating a more nutritious snack makes you feel better and gives you more energy (which helps so you are not tempted to nap during lectures).
Eating on campus is a huge change—not only are you missing your home-cooked meals, you are completely free to eat whatever you want! In the cafeteria there are many different options every day and it is important to pick and choose to find a healthy meal. By no means do you have to eat a salad every time you walk into the cafeteria, however incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet will provide many vitamins and nutrients your body needs. It is important to make sure you hit the food groups, and to have enough protein, fruits, and vegetables every day. Oh and don’t forget—make sure you drink a lot of water! This prevents dehydration as well as keeping you alert and boosting your productivity!
Fighting the freshman 15 comes in two parts: diet and exercise. It is important to incorporate exercise daily, as well as fueling your body with the right nutrients. You do not have to go crazy with working out, but going to the gym to walk a few laps on the track or lifting some weights a few times a week will go a long way!
Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling the stress of classes, jobs, and extracurriculars is no small task. All it takes is a little bit of attention to your diet and a few minutes of activity daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle and fight the freshman 15!