How to Prevent the Freshman 15
College is a big step for young adults. This is the time where they gain more freedom and the chance to be responsible for themselves. With all the various changes that college brings, students tend to disregard their health leading to a condition called Freshman 15.
Freshman 15 is a period where students gain weight during their first year in college. It has been said that most young adults gain 15 pounds, but there really is no basis for this assumption. A study has been conducted saying that at most, students gain 5 pounds.
Causes
Unhealthy eating habits
Lack of exercise
Excessive consumption of alcohol
Prevention
To avoid freshman 15, all you have to do is get rid of its causes. Take part in the challenge of keeping your body fit throughout your college years.
Healthy Eating Habits
Eat balanced meals. Make time to eat and have a good meal. The food pyramid is a very good guide for the types of food you need to have.
Avoid fast foods. This may be hard to do considering that students are always on the go, but you have to be very choosy with the foods you eat. Fast foods are full of substances that will make you gain weight.
Eat healthy snacks. Avoid chocolates and junk foods. If you need to eat in between meals, always keep it healthy. An apple is a good snack.
Avoid eating late at night. Staying up late to finish a term paper is not an excuse for a food trip. If you can’t avoid it, choose light and healthy snacks.
Eat small meals instead of 3 big meals in a day. Waiting for meal time will make you eat a lot. Having small meals within the day will ensure that you get enough fuel to go through all your day’s activities.
Exercise
Exercise is very important, especially when you find it hard to eat healthy. Boost your metabolism and burn those calories.
Universities and colleges have fully equipped gyms. Take advantage of your school’s facility. As a freshman, this is also one good way of meeting new friends.
Run or jog during your free time. If you don’t have classes in the morning, use that time to jog. If you’re free in the evening, instead of drinking out with your friends, why not run or work out in the gym?
Avoid Alcohol
Being away from home gives you the chance to go out even on a school night and drink with your friends.
Limit the amount of alcohol you take in. If you have a regular work out schedule, burning those extra calories you get from drinking alcohol won’t be a big problem, but remember, alcohol in excessive amount is bad for you.
College is the time to assert yourself. Let your parents and your friends see that you can take care of yourself and be responsible for all your actions. One way of doing this is by avoiding freshman 15. Make right decisions and have a healthy college life.