Many things can come to mind when you hear the word “college.” New experiences, late nights, tailgates, but the one we often prefer to avoid is the Freshman 15. Does this term ring a bell? The Freshman 15 is a dreaded and notorious phenomenon on college campuses that refers to the supposed 15-pound weight gain freshmen supposedly experience during their first year on campus. What causes this? A lot of factors can play a role: genetics, lack of exercise, bad eating habits, the list goes on.
While the Freshman 15 is a reality for some, it is important to note that neither weight gain nor weight loss determine your worth or beauty by any means. The purpose of this article is simply to provide information for a lifestyle that can possibly improve your eating habits, not to tell you that your body isn’t perfect just the way it is. We are all constantly trying to better ourselves, and often that improvement falls beneath the umbrella of our appearance, but what matters most is what we think of ourselves and how we feel on the inside.
It may not always be the topic of discussion when grabbing dinner with your friends but concerns about health linger in the back of every student’s mind. It is no secret that most colleges are limited in nutritious meal options and may falsely advertise which options are considered healthy; however, the solution to avoiding unhealthy eating habits may be easier than you think! I present to you, intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between both fasting and eating periods. It has grown to be popular and trendy around the world as its benefits individuals both mentally and physically. Countless people experience difficulties when attempting to diet; they may face low accessibility to certain foods, types of foods that don’t fit their budget, or just plain old commitment issues. Intermittent fasting introduces an easy, effective diet style that doesn’t have to disrupt a student’s already packed schedule.
There are a handful of different cycles people use in their intermittent fasting, but some of the more common ones include the 16:8 and 24-hour period fast. The 16:8 pattern means an individual would fast for approximately 16 hours then have an 8-hour period to eat. For the 24-hour fast, the person fasts for an entire day twice a week. A handful of other eating patterns exist to best accommodate everyone’s schedule.
This dieting method has exhibited numerous health benefits for its participants; this includes, but is not limited to, weight loss, reduced insulin resistance, and improved heart and brain health. Keep in mind, although fasting cycles have been utilized by humans and other species for centuries, the method of intermittent fasting still resides in early stages of research. While it has proved to provide some health benefits, it’s not a good idea/not ideal for everyone. Those that have a history with eating disorders or are underweight should consult a medical professional first.
At the end of the day, don’t avoid real food. Eat intuitively. Exercise. Focus on your sleeping habits. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you ever consider dipping your feet into the world of intermittent fasting, make sure you’re doing it for you and no one else. This is a gentle reminder that you are so much more gorgeous than you give yourself credit for. As Lady Gaga declared at The Monster Ball Tour, “I want you to reject anyone or anything that’s ever made you feel like you don’t belong, or don’t fit in, or that you’re not good enough…” Use any negative energy to motivate yourself to do what makes you feel good and to do what is best for you. Not for society, not for your friends, not for your family, for you.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-guide