Let me begin this article by stating that no, this is not the first article on avoiding the "Freshman 15," and it certainly will not be the last. But unlike the other articles, this one is how to actually avoid it. We all have resolutions when we start a new school year, and we almost never follow through with them.

Going to the gym for an hour every day is a great idea, but with a busy, exhausting schedule, it will almost never happen, and bad habits will form. There are still ways, however, to avoid this horrible plague without having unlikely expectations.

1. Walk as much as possible

If you live on campus, walk to class rather than taking the bus or other forms of transportation. If you walk at a quicker pace, or as I like to call it, "walking with purpose," you will burn twice as many calories compared to walking at a slow pace.

If you live off campus and are within walking distance, try walking to campus rather than drive. It is better for the environment, cheaper and less stressful for you, since you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot.

You most likely are going to be sitting most of the day, so it is a simple way to get exercise in. If you have a walk that is over 15-20 minutes, consider investing in a bike. You actually burn more calories biking than walking, anyway.

2. If you need a job, choose an active one

It is clearly less stressful to dedicate your semester to school and not have to worry about working, but if you absolutely must get a job, try for something where you will be on your feet a lot, such as serving. You will work out your arms from heavy lifting, and you will be active throughout the day.

3. Treat yourself, but don't overdo it

The desserts and greasy cheeseburgers in the dining hall may look appealing, and by all means, treat yourself to these foods once or twice a week. Eating these foods every day will not only cause rapid weight gain, but your body will also start feeling sluggish. If you want to perform your best, be sure to eat your best.

4. Find yummy healthy options

Eating healthy does not mean that you can only eat salads. There are so many options, such as sandwiches with lean meats, grilled chicken, chips and salsa, pasta with marinara sauce and lots of vegetables- the possibilities are endless.

It is important to keep your meals balanced with carbs, dairy, protein, iron, vitamins and minerals, etc. If you enjoy what you are eating, you are less likely to crave desserts or greasy foods.

5. Lay off the beer

A typical beer contains about 154 calories. Now, that does not seem like a lot. However, let's be honest. It is college and as a college student, you are going to have more than one beer. If you have three beers, then you have already consumed over 400 calories. That is equivalent to a spaghetti dinner! Again, it is okay to have beer, but please do so in moderation.

6. Leftovers are good, too

Although downing an entire Papa John's Extra Large pizza in one sitting sounds awesome, your body really does not need to consume that much. Have a few slices until you are feeling full, but please stop when you are full, even if it tastes really good. You can make the same pizza last for two or three days, compared to just one.

If you follow these six steps, you will not worry at all about gaining the dreaded "Freshman 15." Please also keep in mind that you do not have to only eat healthy, balanced meals, it is important to treat yourself too. It can just be easy to fall into bad habits, and that is where problems can form. Be sure to take everything in moderation, and you will have a successful year.