Seven Tips to Avoid Gaining the Freshman Fifteen at College

One of the common misconceptions about college is that it is impossible to go to college and not gain weight. While it is true that many people do gain weight at college, it is nowhere near an inevitability if you practice healthy eating habits. In this article, I will describe seven eating and lifestyle habits that can help new college students to avoid gaining weight.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #1 - Eat Small, Regular Meals

It's important not to be hungry while at college so that you can pay attention during lecture and can do the work necessary in your college education. Eating small, regular meals can help to keep you at your mental best, and can also help you to avoid overeating at larger meals.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #2 - Limit Yourself at the Cafeteria

Most colleges have a cafeteria where you can eat as much as you want to after you enter. Of course, this increases one's chance of overeating. When you go to the school cafeteria, limit yourself in some manner. Whether it is by limiting yourself to one plate of food or limiting yourself to two cookies after a meal, giving yourself some structure at mealtimes will help you avoid gaining weight while at college.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #3 - Limit Snacking and Late Night Eating

If you find yourself eating numerous unhealthy snacks, do your best to cut back. It's easy to snack a lot at college because food is plentiful, but this can lead to rapid weight gain. Set restrictions for yourself, like one sugary treat or drink every afternoon. Likewise, don't eat right before you go to bed because your body won't use the calories and they'll be converted into fat.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #4 - Don't Eat Out of Stress

Many people deal with the stress of college by overeating. If you're feeling stressed out, find a positive outlet such as working out, writing, or talking to friends. This is extremely important, and is a lesson that many people that aren't college students need to learn.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #5 - Drink Less

Many people decide to drink at college. If you make this decision, be aware that alcoholic beverages are basically empty calories. Drinking less can help to prevent you from gaining weight. And remember, no one is forcing you to drink at all. Not drinking is one of the healthiest decisions you can make at college, but it's up to you.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #6 - Exercise

Exercising is good for a person in so many ways. Not only can it improve circulation and thereby your mental performance, but exercise can also help keep you from putting on weight while at college. Running or using an elliptical for half an hour three times a week can do a lot to keep you healthy while in college.

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Tip #7 - Weigh Yourself Regularly

It can be difficult to know that you're gaining weight because gaining weight is a gradual process. If you are worried about gaining weight, take advantage of your school's gym facilities and weigh yourself every week or two to make sure that you're not putting on weight.

I managed to make it through my freshman year without gaining any weight, and by following the above tips, so can you. If you have any other tips on how to avoid gaining weight while at college, feel free to share your thoughts in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!