Avoiding the ‘freshman 15’ is as much about staying active and stress free as it is about the foods you put in your body. You just got to campus, the dining halls are open all day long, and they have an ice cream machine. The meals themselves are not quite as good as a homemade one (naturally) but still, access to food from 7:30-11:00 p.m can be dangerous! So…
Don’t get in the habit of snacking – Figure out your go-to snack and stick to it. If it’s mid afternoon and you’re starving, have some almonds or a yogurt. As much as you probably want to go grab a bag of chips from the Pub, don’t do it! It will fill you up with unhealthy carbs and you probably won’t be hungry for dinner either.
Only keep healthy snacks in your dorm, so you’re never tempted to skip meals – Sometimes it can be tempting when our fridges are stocked with yummy, snacks to want to miss a meal and just binge eat in your room. Don’t get me wrong, every once in awhile on a weekend this is a must, but don’t make it part of your regular routine!
Don’t have dessert every night – Save it as a treat! Enough said.
But also don’t deprive yourself! – Eating healthy does not mean you need to starve yourself of all things yummy, but moderation is key!
Keep your meals balanced – Even when pasta and toast and sandwiches are the easiest to grab, try to balance them out with vegetables and protein. Time is valuable, but so is your health! Reserve pasta night for those times when you really can’t put together a healthy, balanced meal.
Try new things – You might not love the way they prepare the vegetables in the dining hall, but deep down you know you need to eat them…maybe try them just how they are being served, or try mixing them with rice or chicken.
Get into a routine – In order to eat right, stay active and avoid the stresses of work, it is important to get into a routine! And, once you’ve found one, stick to it!
Find a gym time that’s right for you – Depending on your workout of choice, it may be important to choose your gym time wisely. If the gym intimidates you, find a time when it is less busy! If you love the commotion of lots of people being active around you, then the afternoon is the time for you! The daily rush (here at St. Lawrence) occurs between 3:30 and 6:00 pm.
Hit the trails – If the gym is not your place, try hitting the trails instead! Whether you’re biking, running, or even just going for a walk, you can explore the beautiful surroundings while also being active! The fresh air is an extra bonus too.
Stay on top of your work – Go to class and do your work! Once you begin to fall behind, every other aspect of your routine falls apart.
Check in with your professors – If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors for help! Office hours are great, but sometimes it can be even more beneficial to meet with them individually.
Don’t forget to sleep! Sleep is also very important for regulating your bodily functions and making use of the nutrients you have eaten throughout the day.
(Photos: Shape, Play Your Sport, Fitness, Get Organized Wizard)