Yes, after a couple of weeks on campus I have fully understood the truth bind the freshmen 15 theory. It's definitely real, but can be avoidable. While my roommates and I discuss almost every day how the pounds just keep adding up, we're trying to make our best efforts to keep the lbs. off.
1. Pay attention to what you’re eating
While you may be tempted to have a burger with a side of fries, or grab yourself a large ice cream cone for desert, make sure you are aware of what you’re eating. If you can’t pass up those fries or ice cream, get a salad as your main course. Save yourself some calories.
2. Don’t overdo It
All you can eat style? Yeah, that’ll get ya.
3. Stay active
Luckily, you can make it just about anywhere in ten minutes on DePauw’s campus. So there’s no excuse; grab a friend and go to the gym. Or take a walk through the nature park. Especially with fall coming up, you won’t even notice the pain of running.
4. Limit the drinking
When your friends are going out it sometimes can be hard to pass up… even if you’ve been out the past four or five nights. Save the calories for a good time, a party you don’t want to miss. It all adds up eventually, and sometimes your body can’t handle an extra 700 or so calories, especially if you’re just hanging in your dorm room.
5. Limit the snacks in your room
Its easy to indulge in your snack drawer when you have nothing else to do. But that’s when it gets dangerous. Try to keep as few as snacks possible. You don’t want to starve yourself, but there’s no need to get excessive. We always try to keep fruit, vegetables, or healthy alternatives in ours…that way if the midnight munchies roll around we will be forced to eat apples instead of a pint of ice cream.
6. Get involved
The more active you are around campus, the less time you’ll have to eat and lie around. Whether it's sports, extracurricular activities, music, or fellowships, get out there. Find what interests you, set a routine, and you’ll be good to go.
Yes, I know it is college, so we do tell ourselves to take a day break from the gym, or splurge on some pizza rolls at night. We’re not always the best about staying healthy, but as long as you’re aware and pay attention to what you’re doing and eating, you’ll be good to go.
