The “Freshman 15” is notorious for sneaking up unknowingly. While it’s totally okay to eat whatever you want and indulge every so often, you also need to think about your physical health. There are so many hidden ways to stay healthy, especially here at USC!
1. Garden Tossed
Garden Tossed is a make your own salad bar at Russell, and its great for lunch. One small change you can make in your diet is to substitute a salad for lunch instead of a burger or Chick-Fil-A.
2. Plan it Healthy
Planit Healthy is located in Russell as well and it features all healthy dishes. It is a meal-based food stand, so it could be something you get for a filling dinner. They also feature vegetarian and vegan dishes for anyone who has those dietary needs.
3. Horseshoe Deli
While you can obviously make an unhealthy sandwich at Horseshoe deli, there are ways to get a healthy meal from here. Skip the roll and get a wheat wrap, pick turkey or chicken as your meat, and don’t load your sandwich with any mayo or mustard. Last, instead of chips, opt for some fruit—it stays on your meal plan and you cut a lot of calories.
4. Light Breakfast
If you’re really looking to cut down on calories, a big tip I have is to keep breakfast light. Instead of Einstein’s bagels, get a yogurt with granola. Keeping breakfast small but filling is a good way to make sure you don’t overload on your calorie intake for the day.
5. STROM
The Strom Thurmond Fitness Center is free for students to use, so take advantage of it! Get a group of friends or go by yourself. The hardest part is getting there, but once your there, you’ll feel great about yourself! They have a huge weight room in addition to a cardio track. There are also group classes available if you don’t want to just use the equipment. Don’t want the typical gym workout? Strom offers plenty of alternatives as well! There’s a rock climbing wall, basketball and squash courts, and an indoor swimming pool—all available for student fitness!
6. Run
If you are not into the gym, take a run around campus. We have a beautiful campus and going for a run is a great way to relieve stress, enjoy some scenery, and burn some calories. If you have a car, you could also head down to the West Columbia Riverwalk and run the scenic trail along the Congaree River.
Our biggest advice to avoid the Freshman 15 is to be conscious of what you are putting in your body. Be mindful of your meals and make sure you get enough exercise. There are plenty of ways to stay healthy; you just have to put your mind to it!