Trust me on this one, I've lived it, and gained it. Just 5 lbs into the "freshman fifteen" I realized my life had done a 180 and I wasn't going to take part in the stereotypical weight gain. It's hard and it sucks, but you CAN get through college and not look like you lost all control. Here are a few tips I learned along the way:
1. Water
Make it your mission to PREFER water over soda, Gatorade, energy drinks and Starbucks.
2. Make at least 1 exercise your favorite.
Make it a goal to walk for 15 minutes a day, do 50 sit-ups, jog for 10 minutes, or go to yoga or Pilates.
3. Eating out is a special occasion, not a habit.
I get it, telling your friends you don't want to go out with them sucks, but it also sucks to work off the 15 lbs you've gained from eating out. Ask friends to go on a walk with you or go for a coffee.
4. More fiber, less carbs.
It's so easy to carb load, but it's not worth the bloating and calories it brings along with it. Yes there are good carbs but most of them are bad. Fiber, fiber, fiber!!!
5. Walk to class during nice weather.
I am the first to drive myself to class when it's cold, but take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy the fresh air! Your body deserves to be taken care of, and it's as simple as walking to class to do so.
6. Eat when you're hungry, not bored.
Simple as it sounds.
7. Find a mix that isn't sugary.
Part of college is going out (maybe even the best part), so since it happens so often, find something that is low calorie and not sugary.
8. Drink your coffee black, or as light as possible.
This goes in line with finding a drink mix that is more good than evil. Switch your vanilla latte to skim milk and sugar-free syrup!
9. Learn to eat fruit instead of candy.
Nobody wants to buy fresh produce because it's more expensive and I get that. But fruit over candy, vegetables over junk food, it all makes a huge difference.
10. After a night out, don't order the pizza.
Go home and eat some fat-free crackers or some popcorn, or drink some water and don't eat a late snack if possible.
College is fun! Enjoy yourself, but treat your body like you love it. You have one body, take care of yourself!
