10 Tips for Avoiding the Freshman 15

Beginning a college career can be a stressful time for any freshman. For many this is the first time they are truly living on their own. Pressures to make new friends, adjust to new expectations, and take on an increased workload can be too much for anyone. Who needs the added anxiety of the dreaded "Freshman 15"?

The Freshman 15 does not have to be inevitable, however. There are ways to avoid gaining weight and even getting in better shape during this tumultuous first year. Here are some simple tips for keeping the weight off.

Eat the cafeteria food

This is not a facetious suggestion, I really mean it. Don't get me wrong, most cafeteria food has traditionally been less than stellar and it's certainly not Mom's home cooking, but if you do a little searching you can find healthy meals to fit your diet. Familiarize yourself with the cafeteria right away; see what they have to offer. Most cafeterias have begun to offer vegetarian options, which can serve as a healthy, low calorie alternative to the mystery meat. If you have a meal plan, you might as well use it, right?

Avoid junk food

Here's another reason to eat at the cafeteria: you'll be less tempted by junk. I know that for many this is the first time away from home and the lure of unlimited Big Macs and Cheetos can be strong, but try to fight that temptation. Sure, ramen is cheap, but it is also loaded with sodium. Now is the perfect time to develop good eating habits. Good diet habits now will keep the Freshman 15 off and keep you healthy through finals.

Stay consistent

Many things will be changing in your life, and consistency is key to maintaining your weight. You must make good diet habits a priority. It is so easy to forget to eat a meal here and there when you get busy, but you must remember. Missing a meal or two can lead to binge eating later, and that will ruin any healthy diet. Breakfast is not something that you can skip if you want to stay healthy throughout your college career.

Walk to class

This is a really easy way to get the recommended thirty minutes of moderate daily exercise. It's as simple as walking to your classes. If your university offers a tram, don't take it (or get off a couple of stops from your destination). If you have free time between classes, take a walk and explore your new campus. This will keep the weight off, and you won't even notice the extra effort.

Make use of free gym facilities

Most universities offer free use of gym and pool facilities to students. Use them. You may not be able to get such a good offer again. I know many people who pay ridiculously high prices for those same types of privileges. Set aside time for the gym; schedule it like it's a class that you have to attend. Combine this with your healthy diet, and you just may end up losing weight.

Join an intramural team

Casual sports teams are a great way to keep the weight off, get healthy, and meet new friends. You'll develop skills, gain fitness, and meet people who share your interests. What's not to love? You can find flyers advertising intramural sports leagues all over campus. This is one of the most fun ways to keep the Freshman 15 at bay.

Find an exercise buddy

It can be difficult to stay motivated when you are alone, so get out there and find an exercise buddy. Classmates, teammates, and roommates are all great ideas for an exercise buddy. You aren't the only one concerned with the Freshman 15 and healthy living, so partner up. You'll probably make a new friend in the process!

Take study breaks

The key here is to keep moving. Spending hours at your computer (hey, all-nighters happen) isn't healthy for your body or your mind. Whenever you feel your concentration slipping and your mind wandering, take a short break. Get up from the computer and do some stretches, some push-ups, or jumping jacks. You'll feel more energized, and you'll have gotten a little exercise.

Learn stress management

When finals roll around and stress becomes unbearable, many students reach for the chocolate. You've worked so hard to maintain your weight and your healthy habits, why throw that away when things get tough? By learning stress management techniques, you can avoid stress-eating entirely. Take some deep breaths, put on some calming music, or take a long bath. These healthy alternatives can keep you on the right track to avoiding the Freshman 15.

Hold the beer

I know that in an ideal world students who are technically under the drinking age would be heeding this advice anyway, but I also know that this is not an ideal world. You may not think much of the occasional party drink, but beer is loaded with carbohydrates and calories and because you are drinking it instead of eating, those calories add up quickly. The same is true of cocktails, which are often loaded with sugar. If you want to avoid the Freshman 15 (and potential legal trouble) stay away from the alcoholic beverages until it's legal, and even then drink only in moderation.