I'll be honest, I am in no place to be writing about this after almost losing my battle with the freshman fifteen. One thing I do know, however, is that if I continued into the spring semester with the same habits I've had during the first three months of the school year, it would be called something like the freshman thirty. Twelve pounds later, I've realized this is not a good look or feel for me. I am never one to body shame, but I do know from experience that if you allow your healthy habits to disappear, you will start to feel sluggish and uncomfortable. Here are 8 ways to avoid the freshman fifteen:
1. Actually use your meal plan
I know the dining hall can be gross and it's tempting to go out to eat, but the dining hall will have a variety of food, and it is most likely healthier than eating out. Treating yourself to fast food or a meal out is something that is enjoyable occasionally, but you will save time and money eating at your dining hall. Your body will thank you.
2. Stay on a particular sleep schedule
Go to bed at the same time every night, and if your schedule permits, get up at the same time every morning. You will start to wake up on your own without an alarm, and having a regular sleep schedule will allow you to have a regular eating and exercise schedule as well. Also, you won't feel as tired all the time.
3. Make use of your school's gym
Most universities have some sort of gym or exercise facility. Give it a shot. Create a routine and even if you only have time for a little bit of exercise each day, exercise as regularly as possible. Exercise in the morning if you can; you'll get it over with for the day and you'll feel much more awake after.
4. Give up the bike or skateboard
Walking to class might take longer, but it adds a little bit of necessary exercise to your day, especially if you have a big campus. You'll have more time to observe everything around you and you will feel more relaxed and not so rushed, as long as you leave for class early enough.
5. NEVER skip meals
Even if you don't have time. This is not a healthy way to lose weight, and you'll most likely end up eating more later.
6. Use a fitness or health tracker
Keeping a diet log might seem like too much of a commitment, but when you see what you are eating written down you will realize how much junk you are actually putting in your body and you might be more open to changing your habits.
7. Skip the elevator
If you are on the eighth floor of your dorm like I am, this doesn't necessarily apply. But if you find yourself taking the elevator one or two floors from the bottom, just take the stairs. It's not that hard and adds a little bit of exercise to your day.
8. Use the kitchen in your dorm (if you have one)
Not everyone in college knows how to cook, hence the meal plan. But if you are sick of dorm food, buy some groceries and cook a meal instead of going out. It'll almost be like you're home again.
