The Freshman 15 is real. Despite all the new activities you’ll be taking part in and all the walking and running you’ll be doing across your new campus, it is still all too easy to gain weight due to stress and the quality of food available. Here are some top tips for losing the Freshman 15:
1. Choose your food wisely – Some of this may be common sense, such as don’t have soda with every meal, choose brown bread or rice over white, and try to eat some fruits and vegetables. Also, choose baked, roasted or steamed foods over deep-fried foods.
2. Control your portions – If you are living on campus, you will probably be eating in buffet style cafeterias and dining halls. One of your biggest challenges will be to eat reasonable and appropriate-sized portions. Also, make sure you don’t eat too quickly, even if you are rushing to class because you may overeat unintentionally and not realise when you are full.
3. Remove all temptations from your dorm room – I used to keep all sorts of snacks in my dorm room such as chips, cookies and chocolate. Whenever I was stressed or even just a little bit hungry, I would reach for my snacks because they were so easily accessible. So remove the temptation! Or at least stock up on healthier snacks and fruits.
4. Exercise with friends – Going to the gym can be monotonous and boring. However if you make a pact with a friend, you’re more likely to go. You can challenge each other and keep each other motivated.
5. Try something new – There are lots of ways to stay active which do not involve the treadmill or any other machines. I joined the dance club at my school, while some of my friends did martial arts. There are loads of activities which are fun and won’t make you feel like you’re working out. Maybe try joining the rowing team? Or a belly dancing class? Why not, freshman year is the perfect time to try new things!
These tips for losing the Freshman 15 demonstrate that the key to losing weight or keeping the weight off in college lies in maintaining healthy eating habits and keeping active.