How to Avoid the Freshman 15
Freshman 15 – refers to the amount of weight gain a student may endure their freshman year.
Typically, college is a big adjustment for many of us; we’re learning to live on our own and take care of ourselves without having our parents or siblings or even our close friends around. So, our busy lives direct us toward eating whatever we can when we can. We grab a bag of chips on the way to class because we skipped breakfast, we eat the fatty food in the dining hall, and snack on cookies and ice cream when we come home late. Not to mention, the overconsumed amounts of alcohol that lead to bad skin and an additional five pounds.
My point? College students are surrounded by bad eating habits and poor food choices. In order to avoid coming home 15 pounds heavier, we need to learn how to eat (and drink) right.
“Freshman 15.” Google Images , www.google.com/search?q=freshman 15&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiU1ObixoPkAhXGY98KHZdxChAQ_AUIESgB&biw=1331&bih=714#imgrc=UkkKP30Be65f2M:
Here are some tips on avoiding the Freshman 15:
1. Eat Breakfast
It’s called the most important meal of the day for a reason. When we eat breakfast, we receive energy to carry on the rest of the day and it helps us to avoid those unnecessary cravings. If you feel like you don’t have time to eat breakfast and don’t want to make time then, keep a granola bar in your bag to eat in or on your way to class. Protein drinks or overnight breakfast recipes like chia seed pudding or overnight oats are quick and yummy! (Peep Pinterest for some good ideas).
2. Keep a Food Log
I know this may take some time, but we’re all on our phones at some point during the day, so keep a food log on your phone or in your planner. I like using a bullet journal because it allows me to be creative! All you have to do is write down what you ate for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any snacks you had. This will visually help your brain to see that you’ve eaten to much sugar or not enough protein and you can make the changes necessary.
If you want to get deeper, download a food tracker app. These apps help you to see the calories and nutritional value in the food you eat.
3. Be Aware & Exercise
Let’s face it. Eating is all about balance and moderation. If you notice you’re eating too much sugar, cut back and treat yourself once a week. If you want to add more protein, be conscious of what you’re grabbing from the dining hall. Instead of taking the shuttle, walk to class if you can. Do whatever you need to do to make your body feel healthy. We must never forget that food is medicine and what we put inside our bodies affects our minds as well.
If you’re fortunate enough to live close to home, take some left overs back to school or cook a meal and keep it in the freezer. Be cautious of what food is visible to you as well; if you have sugary cereals and junk food lying around, you’re more likely to snack on that. But, if you kept fruit, yogurt, granola bars in your room then, you might be more inclined to choose a healthier option.
Eating well is all about mindset. No matter what, we can control our eating habits if we put in the time and effort to make the right choices. When we look in the mirror we want to be proud of who we see and feel confident! Eating should be enjoyable for us all!
Good Luck ☺
HCXO,
Ally