Fall is fast approaching and newly graduated students are as eager as ever to start their new life. They are excited for the freedom, the new companionship, to study in an area focused to their interests, and the parties. In what is considered to be the "best time of your life," students often forget to care for their bodies. I would know because I myself gained above and beyond the freshmen 15. However, as a soon-to-be junior in a rigorous program, I can honestly tell you the easiest way to avoid the dreaded wait gain. A few pounds are bound to be gained but don't let it get out of control!

1. Limit your alcohol consumption to the weekends.

2. Avoid the sugary cocktails, light beer is cheap and low in calories.

3. Skip the pizza or Chinese at 3 a.m.

4. Colleges and universities have beautiful gyms.

Make a conscious effort to utilize them at least four days a week

5. Get involved with active clubs such as yoga, snowboarding, or Zumba.

It gets you out of your room, up and moving, and allows you to meet a bunch of great people!

6. Eat three meals a day, at set times.

7. If you’re going to drink your calories save them for the alcohol.

Water is filling and has zero calories!

8. Buy healthy snacks such as carrots or all natural fruit snacks for late night study sessions.

Don't count on the vending machines to get the creative juices flowing.

9. If you need a caffeine fix, try black espresso shots instead of sugary energy drinks or flavored coffees.

10. Instead of binge watching Netflix in your spare time, go on a hike, tan in the quad or do anything to get up and moving!

11. Every school provides healthy options, you just have to find them!

Chicken breast and rice are my go-to!

12. With that being said, they also offer a lot of garbage.

Avoid the mozzarella sticks and French fries.

13. You don't really need that ice cream on the way out of brunch.

14. Eat breakfast in your room!

Oatmeal, yogurt, cheese sticks and any fruit all offer great combinations for the perfect kick start!

15. Use popcorn as a study food instead of candy.

16. Take 10 minutes out of every hour of studying to get up and stretch!

Good for the mind and body!

17. Carry a water bottle to class with you!

But make sure water is actually the contents...

18. Most gyms are open 24/7....you will not be busy every second of every day.

19. Make ice cream a once a week treat, not a part of every meal.

20. Salads are only good for you if you don't drench them in dressing.

21. Snag fruits and veggies from the dining hall to have on hand in your dorm.

22. Find a gym buddy!

Working out together passes time and makes you accountable!

23. Flash cards while doing the elliptical kills two birds with one stone.

I promise you won't be the only one doing that.

24. Don't sit at the dining hall.

Offer to grab your food and sit outside with your friends. Sitting in the dining hall with unlimited amounts of food will make it hard to resist that second, third, and fourth plate of food.

25. Don't even bring that box of cookies back to your room.

If they're not there, you won't be tempted to eat them.

26. Whether your class is at 8 a.m. or 12 p.m., eat breakfast!

27. Any workout is better than no workout!

28. Don't be intimidated by all the guys at the gym or the sports bra wearing girls who can run 10 miles!

Do your own thing.They are not staring at you!

29. Buy a scale and weigh yourself every Friday morning.

30. Treat yourself sometimes.

A slice or two of pizza a week won't kill you.

Eating healthy and working out seems like a waste of time when pizza is on the menu at every meal and events fill up workout time. But a good diet and regular exercise will benefit you far beyond fitting into that cute crop top. You will have more energy, more focus, and in return, will be more successful grade-wise. I know most of these facts appear to be common sense, but those who have never worried about their weight may be surprised when they come home at Thanksgiving time. I'm not telling you to never eat the greasy fried food and to never drink. I'm telling you to find a healthy balance!