5 Things to Do to Avoid the Freshmen 15

Are you a college freshmen this year? Have you started to notice that college student eating habits aren't the best, and that you may start to gain some weight because of that? Well if you have or if you've ever heard of the "freshmen 15" then this article is for you. I am going to provide you with 5 things that you can do in order to avoid the weight from getting on you.

- Take the stairs instead of elevators
If you live in the dorms during your freshmen year, chances are that you're not on the first floor of the dorm complex building. If that's the case, the best way to not gain extra pounds this semester is to start taking the stairs each time you have to go up to your dorm. Sometimes when you are very tired this seems like such a hassle, but if you are not doing this chances are that the extra calories will start pilling up on you and cause you to lose physical endurance.

- Walk to class don't take the shuttles
Most campuses these days are offering shuttles to and from campus for all of their students. If you feel that you are not in a hurry or if you're going to be early to class, don't take the shuttle, walk to and from campus. The only reasons why you should be taking the shuttles are if you're taking a lot of heavy things, if you're running very late, or if it's after dark and you have no one to walk with. Besides those cases, walk to class; this is a great way to lose weight during college also.

- Don't overeat when having buffet meals
Do you have a meal plan this whole year? Does that include buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? If it does mean that for you, be careful not to overeat during those times that you're at the buffet place. Try eating a good full breakfast, a nice lunch, and a light dinner. Don't eat heavy stuff if you're going to be laying down or going to sleep right after. That's the biggest thing that you have to take care of in order to avoid the freshmen 15.

- Visit the recreational center at least once or twice a week.
When you pay for your tuition and fees at the beginning of your college semester you can be sure that there is a recreational center fee that you're paying for in there; its time to make it worth it. If your campus has a recreational facility with treadmills and other workout equipment or classes go to it! Don't procrastinate over this, try to be there at least three times a week; get a workout buddy and you'll see that this will become a habit for you.

- Don't go to sleep right after you eat.
Now this will not help you to lose weight, but it will surely help you to keep it off. If you're going to sleep right after your meals, your body is taking longer to digest the food. Try to stay up at least an hour after you eat every time you have a meal and you'll see that you will not feel like you're carrying extra weight everywhere. If this is something that you cannot keep from happening, try doing something before you head back to your dorm room after the meal.

Now that you know what you need to do in order to avoid the freshmen 15, talk to your friends about this and make a pact with each other to avoid gaining this weight. Try to eat constantly and healthy, and always stay hydrated no matter what.