I remember hearing all the stories in high school.

"So-and-so went off to college...and they definitely gained weight."

"They really let themselves go after high school."

"Beware of the freshman fifteen!"

I personally though it was a bit of a myth, even though I had seen it happen before. Surely, it didn't apply to ME. I was healthy, had a high metabolism, and I enjoyed running and lifting weights. So, of course, I had nothing to fear.

By the end of my freshman year, I realized just how wrong I had been.

Nothing fit quite right anymore, and my friends and family were asking questions, though they did their best to be polite about it(except my mother, who is a bit of a health nut).

I realized that I didn't feel as healthy as before, and I wanted to get back on track and be in control. It was not super easy, but it was worth it.

So, for all of you recent graduates preparing to leave, here's a few tips to keep you from slipping!

1. Get some sleep! Seriously, though, maintaining a good sleep schedule helps keep your appetite(and metabolism) in check.

2. Balance your diet. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and tons of whole grains. AND cut back on meats, especially red meat. It's unnecessary and actually unhealthy if you have too much.

3. Stop with the refined sugars! Seriously. Do you people even understand how awful they are for your body? Just because your mama isn't around to tell you no, doesn't mean you can eat all the dessert you want. There are still consequences.

4. Avoid stressful situations where possible. Stress messes up a lot of chemical balances in your body, which will additionally affect your appetite, metabolism, and ability to sleep.

5. Exercise! Developing a good workout routine not only allows you to work off extra calories and burn fat, but it boosts your digestive health and reduces stress levels.

College doesn't have to kill you, just make sure YOU are in control! Go get 'em, tiger!