For incoming freshmen (ladies, I'm looking at you) the Freshman Fifteen is something that we all fear. I'll be the first to admit that I'm totally down for making "mom bod" a thing just as the freshmen boys adopted the "dad bod," but for those of us who wish to not go down that path here are a few tips for surviving the dining hall and the masses of pizza, and wine sure to be present every weekend.
1. If possible, try to eat what you would normally have at home for breakfast. Whether this means turkey bacon and eggs at the dining hall or oatmeal in your room. This will help set normalcy and prevent over indulging in a hot, freshly made breakfast you might not have the time or availability for at home. Honestly, after the first week of classes, eating something quick in your room might be more desirable. The extra twenty minutes of sleep is worth it.
2. It's hard to say no to pizza and fries every day. Usually I fill a plate up with salad and fit one unhealthy thing off to the side. Just like you'd go out and indulge with friends in high school, its okay to do that during the week at school too. Bulk up on the good-for-you stuff and give in to your cravings on the side. Sometimes college is hard, so have that bowl of ice cream.
3. Form good stress management skills. A lot of unwanted weight gain comes from new, higher levels of stress and an abundance of easily accessible comfort foods. While it's good to eat a half or, let's be real, a whole pizza sometimes, it's also worth forming good habits right out of the gate. College is also the time where we really start forming lifelong habits. My best suggestion is to find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy and make time to relieve some stress through that a couple times a week. Finding a gym buddy is a great way to expand your friend group too!
4. Try to eat your best during the week. Going out on the weekends is never the time to try and stick to a diet. I find that if I eat really well during the week and make sure to schedule in some gym time, then I can indulge in whatever I want on the weekends while maintaining my weight. Have fun! Don't let fear of the Freshman Fifteen ruin your weekend adventures.
