Defeating the "Freshman 15"

College freshmen gain weight. It's that simple. I'm sure some avoid packing on the pounds, but those generally are the late bloomers who somehow still have the metabolisms of hummingbirds or who love studying around the clock more than experimenting with various forms of alcoholic beverages or diving headfirst into the ever-present ice cream bar in the dining hall.

Aside from the select few-the athletes, the fitness junkies, or the ones who live off campus and don't have the "stuff your face til your eyes cross" meal plan, everyone grows to a larger size than what they once had proudly concealed under that high school cap and gown.

When Thanksgiving comes around, students return with spherical faces that make parents and former teachers turn their heads sideways, much like dogs that have heard an odd but strangely recognizable sound. Then their Christmas list, once littered with skinny jeans and slim fitting shirts, suddenly gets inundated with sizes once unimaginable. The spring break pictures come back from the photomart or grace the pages of Facebook with bellies a-jigglin' and bulldog cheeks.

And once freshmen finals are done and the world slows back down as the students return home, reality sets in, gym memberships are purchased, and the lifelong struggle to keep off the pounds begins.

So, how can you avoid the dreaded "freshman 15" and let your body fill in naturally? Give these thoughts some consideration before you set up that dorm room and create bad habits your first week on campus.

1. Watch the alcohol: This is the biggest problem. The drinking, once done in a friend's basement or at some woods party, is now open and easily accessible. The world of excess begins with the cheap beer and bottom shelf vodka. With nearly everyone throwing it back, you'll find it hard not to join in. But, if you want to remain healthy, you'll have to curb your enthusiasm for the beverages.

2. Choose a meal: Dedicate yourself to one trip to the food line. Get what you need on the tray, have a seat, chomp away, and then leave. No need to make a run back for that pudding you missed or the hot fudge sundae you deserve. Treat yourself occasionally, but not on a daily basis.

3. Manage freedom: Psychologically this is the problem. Kids get away from parents and suddenly they have no clue how to impose boundaries on their lifestyles. Really think about how you will handle all the freedom you will have. Kids crave it in high school, to get out from under their parents' rules and expectations. The funny part of that is they really don't know what it all means. There exists no way to really understand until you get to college, but you need to spend some time considering how you will live your life. If not, you'll spin out of control for a bit until you either figure it out or get yourself in trouble.

4. Be active: The couch you bought from the Goodwill store for fifty bucks will call your name all day long, as will the three hours' worth of Sportscenter or the Cops marathon. Fight the urge to lounge all the time, and make exercise a part of your daily life. Heading to the fieldhouse for a workout isn't just a way to avoid the weight gain. It is also a great social opportunity.

5. Be honest about stress: Many people turn to food when they feel stressed. So whether you are homesick, flooded with academic work, or sad about breaking up with your high school love, watch your stress levels. Get help if you need it. Take a weekend to go home, talk to a close friend, or just find time away.

6. Just say no to vending machines: They are in virtually every dormitory or common building. Stocked with nearly anything you desire, these machines will call your name late at night. Don't listen.

7. Sleep: College kids think a sound bedtime is 3 a.m. That may seem cool for a while, but it catches up with you. You need sleep to let the body regenerate, rest, and recharge. You also need the rest in order to manage the stress of this new lifestyle.

Keep these seven ideas in mind before heading off to school. Your body will naturally change as you get older, so allow it to happen healthily.