A Real World Guide on How to Lose Weight and Stay Thin in College

Being a freshman in college can simultaneously be the most exciting and the most stressful time in the life of a young adult. For a variety of reasons, gaining weight during the first semester is an all-too-common occurrence for freshman. This is mostly due to the severe change in environment, lack of healthy food or just added stress. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid gaining the Freshman 15 and stay thin. Follow these simple steps and you'll be the envy amongst all of your now-pleasantly-plump high school friends when returning home for the holidays, without going on a tofu diet.

WALK TO CLASS

Simple, yet obscenely overlooked. If you're attending a large university, skip the shuttle bus and start walking. Not only will you burn off the egg and cheese biscuit you just ate, but you'll be doing something healthy for your body. Or at the very least do some damage control for the very unhealthy things you do between Thirsty Thursday and Saturday night.

GET OUT OF THE DORM

Being in an enclosed environment all day, especially tight quarters like your dorm, can become very boring. And when you get bored, you're more likely to eat and less likely to exercise. So get outside and walk downtown, go meet someone for lunch, or stretch out on the green. Dorms are also a breeding ground for germs, so the more time you're out of there, the less likely you'll catch the cold that's been going around.

CHANGE YOUR DIET

You're not as limited to your menu as you'd think when you're in college. Just because Mom isn't cooking for you anymore does not mean you have to eat unhealthy or take up anorexia. Besides steering clear of the obviously fattening foods (macaroni and cheese, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, etc.), start eating sandwiches. If your college does not offer a sandwich shop, there is usually one within walking distance to campus. Sandwiches are a great way to keep the calories down in your diet as long as you avoid oil, cheese, and anything with a sauce (chicken teriyaki anyone?).

Also, pick up a carton of milk and some cereal. It's a quick meal and/or snack, extremely low in calories, and can be eaten anytime of day. A guaranteed way to lose weight or at least help prevent weight gain.

DON'T DRINK...

...beer. Tank on liquor instead. However, never forget the Cardinal Rule: do not let other people pour your drinks, no matter how well you think you know them. If you're a freshman, you don't know them well enough unless you're schooling with a high school friend. Instead, bring your own and paper bag it. Most liquor stores offer pint-sized bottles, perfect for a night out if you don't want to carry a plastic gallon jug of "Bob's Vodka" and avoid looking like the typical Poly Sci boozehound.

UTILIZE THE SCHOOL GYM

Not exactly the most innovative idea, but you'd be surprised how many students shy away from using the gym. If you've never been part of a gym before, it can be a little intimidating at first. I suggest asking your roommate or someone from your floor to team up with you to work-out three to five times a week. Not only is it less intimidating when you're with a friend, but you're less likely to quit when someone else is depending on you and are also more likely to go the "extra mile". On a social science level, people generally like to work harder in the presence of their peers, which works great when working out with a buddy.

Next, figure out an exercise regimen you enjoy and stick to it. Don't take up something you dislike just because someone suggests that you'll lose weight faster. If you actually enjoy your routine, it's far less likely you will neglect the gym.

If you don't like the gym, join a club sport. If you're not exactly the most sports-savvy student, there are usually low-experience alternatives that require a good amount of physical activity, such as frisbee or broom ball.

TIPS

Watch what you eat when you drink. Remember, you don't exactly have the most health-conscious mind while buzzed, so plan ahead. Pick up a bag of low-salt pretzels instead of potato chips (you're already dehydrated so the less salt, the better). It's always a good idea to eat while you drink, but your choice does not have to be high in calories or fat.

Avoid foods soaked in sauces. Depending on the type, a sauce can add hundreds of calories to your meal without you realizing it.