FRESHMAN 15 – 10 Tips on How NOT to Gain the Freshman Fifteen

The Freshman 15 is not an urban legend. It can happen to you if you are not careful. Luckily, you are friends with me and I have some tips for you. Being that I am so fancy amd been through college, gained 15 pounds (plus a little more that we don’t have to talk about), and lost the weight, I feel that I can speak on this subject. Starting college is stressful enough, the last thing you want to have to worry about is gaining weight, buying new clothes with the money you don’t have, and having everybody from back home telling you that you are gaining weight.
Here are 10 tips that will keep you healthy, slim, trim, and skinny (maybe not skinny lol) as you start your undergraduate journey:

1. Don’t drink too much alcohol. Think of it like this, one beer equals one hot dog! If you wouldn’t eat 6 hot dogs, don’t guzzle down a 6 pack.

2. Don’t eat up the whole dining hall. Just because you have an unlimited meal plan, does not mean you have unlimited calories. Same note, just because they serve grill cheese sandwiches and brownies everyday does not mean you should eat one every day.

3. Limit processed food. Anything microwavable, boxed, canned, sealed, etc. is for the emergency preparedness kit only. I know you feel fancy with your tiny refrigerator and microwave, but it should not sustain you, it should be a last resort.

4. Snack healthy. When studying, it is okay to snack. But not on chocolate covered pretzels, Doritos, and Mountain Dew. Try nuts, berries, and other portable fresh options. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g81NednAgxc

5. Exercise. You don’t have to go to the gym everyday, but maybe join an intramural team. Opt to walk instead of taking the bus, stairs instead of the elevator, or even picking a class in a building that is a little further away.

6. Limit fast food. This will leave you with no money, an French fry addiction, and high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar. Do you want to have a heart attack before graduation? Didn’t think so.

7. Don’t eat late at night. If you find yourself with a group of friends at Taco Bell, Wendy’s, or Waffle House at 3 am, challenge yourself to not eat or order the smallest lightest thing on the menu (maybe a side salad).

8. Don’t live on soda (pop). Drink water. Think of soda as a dessert. Would you eat 3 slices of cake in a day? Alright then.

9. Food is not the answer to loneliness, boredom, and depression. Get out and meet people. Even if you eat till you’re big as a house, your still going to miss your family, not have friends, and be poor. So instead, take action.

10. Don’t let the freedom go to your head. Just because you are finally in control of your diet, be responsible. Don’t eat 10 cookies for dinner instead of a real meal.

I hope this helps you avoid the Freshman 15, and maybe you will even lose weight instead of gaining weight.

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