Ah, the freedom of college life. I can smell it in the air! It smells like pizza–lots and lots of pizza.
As you are studying for the SAT and simultaneously daydreaming about your first year at college, you may be anticipating the newfound freedom that college life offers: no one tells you what to do, when to clean your room, and, of course, what to eat. Without the incessant (but wise) guidance of your parents, you will have to make some important decisions on your own. Sure, it’s liberating, but it could also be disastrous–for your waist-size at least.
If you’re wondering what “The Freshman 15” means, the saying refers to the supposed fifteen pounds that every college freshman will gain by the end of his or her first year. Fifteen pounds! While the mythical weight gain may not be scientific fact, it does have some validity.
When you think about it, the sudden change of lifestyle that comes with college can really add on the pounds. First of all, much of college life is sedentary for many students. There are no more P.E. classes or high school sports teams to keep you active. While you will probably have access to a gym in college, it may take some time to integrate an exercise routine into your very busy (and fun!) schedule. Second, don’t forget that college can be stressful, as all new experiences can be. For some, the shock of college-level academic material and homesickness may bring on the stress, which, as we all know, takes its toll on our bodies. Throw in some greasy cafeteria food–to which you have unlimited access–and college becomes a four-star resort bent on expanding your belly.
You don’t have to worry, though. Avoiding the Freshman 15 is all about making good choices and exercising your will power. Here are a few simple tips to keep you healthy:
1. Beware of Dorm Food: Not all dorm food is bad, but remember to eat in moderation. When eating in a buffet-style cafeteria, it’s tempting to load your tray with everything that looks remotely palatable. You don’t have to eat this way. One entrée and one side dish will be fine.
2. Don’t Load Up on Desserts: When college freshmen first step into the cafeteria, their first reaction is often like that of a kid in a candy store. In fact, college freshmen in a cafeteria are kids in a candy store. Cookies, ice cream, and other decadent treats are there for the taking. Use the same logic with dessert that you use with dinner: just because it’s there, it doesn’t mean you have to eat it. One cookie or one small ice cream cone is fine once in a while. When you find yourself overcome by temptation, just think back to life before college. Did you always have ice cream or cookies with dinner? I didn’t think so.
3. Fruits and Veggies Are our Friends: Dor
mitory cafeterias are not like the evil witches from fairy tales. They are not trying to fatten you up with ice cream and candy for the sole purpose of eating you later. Cafeterias offer healthy food, too, like fruits and vegetables! Yay! Well, maybe cauliflower is not that exciting. But why not a salad with dinner or an apple with breakfast? Trust me, it’ll be tasty.
4. Integrate Exercise into your Schedule: This one may be one of the hardest things to do as a freshman. Between new friends, class, parties, and studying, who has time for exercise? Luckily, most campuses have free access to a university gym. The best thing you can do is find a gym buddy in the dorm. Going to the gym is much easier when you have a buddy, and it’s a great way to meet new people. If treadmills and free weights aren’t your thing, try running around campus (also easier with a buddy). If you’re the sporty type, all you need is a football or soccer ball to transform a nearby lawn into a pickup-game paradise. And hey, even throwing a Frisbee around is decent exercise! No excuses!
There you have it. If you follow these simple steps, the only thing you’ll bring home for summer will be your luggage.
