Before starting as a freshman at SCU, I had some worries about moving away from the place I have lived for the past 18 years and starting a new chapter in my life. One of those fears was gaining the daunting Freshman Fifteen and whether or not I would be able to avoid it. Countless times, I had heard horror stories of college freshmen coming back for Thanksgiving break having gained a substantial amount of weight. Needless to say I was eager in finding a way to avoid it and maybe having the opposite happen.
Although college cafeterias seem to be places of high calorie meals with little to no healthy alternatives to chicken tenders, Benson provides students with a variety of options that are not only healthy, but also taste good.
Instead of grabbing a breakfast burrito for breakfast, grilled cheese and fries for lunch, and a pizza for dinner, try substituting some of those carbs and fats for veggies and protein from Fresco. You can custom make your salad or wrap with healthy and, often times, local veggies, then add a source of protein. The Farmer’s Pantry offers a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and others foods for you to make the perfect salad. If you want a little more, feel free to turn your choice of vegetables into a rice bowl for a hearty meal. Adding protein to your salad or rice bowl is a great way to make sure your meal keeps you full so you won’t have to go back for seconds.
The Cellar in the lower level of Benson is a great way to stock up on healthy snacks for your dorm. I like to keep Greek yogurts in my mini fridge for breakfast that I get from the Cellar. Keeping fruits and vegetables in your room may help you from snacking on chips or other junk foods. If that won’t satisfy your hunger, nuts or bars are other healthy alternatives. The Cellar sells a variety of these kinds of items, like Luna Bars, which are high in protein and are also gluten-free. Plus, they taste great!
If you find yourself having a hard time eating healthy all the time, working out is a great, and obvious, way to stay in shape. Exercising can also lower stress levels. The Malley Fitness Center offers a huge range of machines, weights, and other exercise materials to help you keep fit. Your goal of avoiding the Freshman 15 can still be achieved, even if you’re not keen on the gym. Malley also offers lots of fun fitness classes so working out won’t feel like a chore. Even changing daily routines like walking more or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can help you keep off those extra pounds.
But the best way to dodge the Freshmen 15 is to avoid it with friends. Having a support team will not only make it easier for you to stay on track, but also will make staying healthy fun. If you ever feel discouraged, don’t worry. There are always ways you can stay healthy and happy, that can be personalized to your comfort level. The most important thing is that you feel good about yourself.