Lately it seems to be all about avoiding the Freshman 15, which really isn’t a made-up rumor to force you into an eating disorder that will last you for the rest of your life. The 15 or so pounds that you may gain as a new student at College is a possibility due to the stress of being in a new place, alcohol, and the vast majority of food options at the tips of your fingers without your parents recommendations on what you should and shouldn't eat. It can be difficult to stay focused on your mental and physical well being when the distractions upon arriving at a new school are endless. No need to fear however, I’m going to give you 11 ways to stay healthy in college while avoiding the dreaded Freshman 15.
1. Get outside.
Whether it’s a quick walk to campus or a light jog after class, getting outdoors can help you stay fit and also help your emotional well being. Get a group of your friends together and go for a hike-- whatever it is, make sure you’re spending some time in the sun.
2. Drink water.
We should be consuming half of our body weight in ounces of water per day, and even more if we’re physically active. For instance, someone who weighs 120 pounds should be consuming 60 ounces of water before exercise. Water is needed for our cells to function properly and without it we can get dehydrated, which causes other serious problems. When I wake up in the morning I make sure to drink at least 20 ounces of water with lime or lemon before eating any food, which helps with digestion and stops you from overeating.
3. Be conscious about alcohol.
For me to sit here and tell you not drink alcohol would be hypocritical and silly-- college is a time for new experiences and learning. I would be lying if I said that alcohol isn’t a big part of the college experience, because it is! My advice to any incoming freshman is to just be aware of the amount you are drinking. Drinking excessive amounts of beer or hard liquor can lead to many issues down the road including alcoholism, liver cancer and other chronic problems. Just take a moment and think before having that next drink.
4. Don’t count calories.
No matter how tempting this may be, try and refrain from counting calories. We have all been there before, and I was guilty of this in my first and second semesters of college. Not only was I under eating, but I wasn’t getting all of the nutrients that I needed. Because of this I was always tired and hungry. Now I eat healthy (the majority of the time) and eat until I’m full. I no longer bother with counting calories or worrying about carbs, fat or protein, not only has this made me healthier mentally, but also physically.
5. Eat as plant-based as possible.
As a vegan, this is pretty much a given for me, but for others this may be a bit more difficult. Focusing on eating mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and beans will give you mental energy and help keep you in good shape. Any nutrients that you would ever need come from plants, and meat and other animal products are not needed in order to stay healthy. Remember this next time you’re in line at the cafeteria looking for what to eat.
6. Plan your workouts in advance.
Trust me on this one; it’s much easier to get a workout in when it’s already written into your schedule. Lay your clothes out before you go to bed at night so that when you wake up in the morning and look at your clothes shaming you, you wont have any choice but to get yourself out of bed and go for a run.
7. Find a workout that you actually enjoy.
Not everyone enjoys running, or weightlifting or using the elliptical. Find a type of exercise that you really enjoy and will also make you sweat. The other day I started playing squash which is so much fun! Not only did I want to keep playing all day, but I got a really good workout in, sweat and all.
8. Meal prep!
This one mostly pertains to those living off campus or in on campus apartments. Meal prepping healthy meals for the week will help you when you're feeling lazy and will stop you from reaching for the potato chips and other processed foods. This is a great idea if you’re extremely busy and don’t have time to make lunch in the morning. Before you head off to class all you have to do is open the fridge and grab what you need.
9. Get friends to help you along the way.
It’s way easier being healthy if people around you are doing it too. I’m not saying to turn your friends into health food addicts, but asking them if they want to come along with you on the health train is a good way to keep yourself in check. You’re way less likely to eat fast food at 12am if your friends aren’t doing it either.
10. Get on Instagram.
Sorry what? Yes you heard me; if you haven’t already joined Instagram do it! Following healthy food accounts or people who lead an active lifestyle can keep you motivated all year long. My current favorite accounts are @sjanaelise, @rawvana, @highcarbhannah and @bananablondie108!
11. And lastly…don’t give up.
Everyone’s fitness journey has to start somewhere so don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing or feeling results. Remember that in the end, you won’t find happiness in the “ideal” body. Happiness can come from feeling good on the inside and knowing that you’re living your life with health in mind.
