You've heard the myths, rumors, and countless stories concerning the topic of college weight gain. Certain health experts say the “Freshman 15" is a falsehood. Some students claim that the “Sophomore Sixty" is actually a worse saga.
I trust the experts on most theories and I believe their credibility, but I also believe my own eyes, which tell me otherwise. Being a college student, and seeing pictures of myself and my friends from high school and each year in college, I can see what everyone is freaking out about. People put on the pounds in college.
Whether it's due to a slower metabolism, a decrease in physical activity, or late-nighting more often than not, it's easy to gain weight as a college student. Actually, it's almost inevitable.
Like I said, been there done that. In fact, I still look at the occasional high school picture and feel a sting of disgust with myself, until I snap back into reality. The truth is, you will most likely not return to your high school weight, unless you just ditch food altogether, or vow to exercise eight hours a day. This is natural though. Your metabolism does slow down as you get older, and your body continues to change.
I do recommend that you take these tips into account though, to save yourself a few pounds you could end up regretting:
1. Walk, walk, walk.
Although the Tiger Transit is a convenient, comfortable means of transportation, leave your dorm a few minutes earlier and walk to class. Take the stairs in Haley- not the elevator. Don't call your friends for a ride every time you leave class or the library.
2. Save the Tiger card.
It's super exciting to have “free money" on your Tiger card, at your dispense anytime you wish. Campus has great food, snacks, and treats to offer, but do yourself a favor and try to mostly buy food for meals, or when you are actually hungry.
3. Avoid late-nighting.
Whether you go out or not, you are bound to want to late night. Even leaving the library at 2:00 in the morning, McDonald's is going to be calling your name. SAY NO. I mean it.
4. Alcohol awareness.
If you choose to drink, try to be aware of what you're drinking. If you only consume beer for your whole night out, you'll easily tack on at least 500 extra calories… probably a lot more. Sugary drinks such as margaritas and bushwhackers are delicious, but super high in sugar and calories. I'm not saying you have to drink vodka waters all night long, but it will definitely go a long way if you are simply conscious of what you drink.
5. Hydrate!
Doctors and weight loss experts are always telling us to drink more water… listen. Staying hydrated helps keeps your system moving the way it should. You'll also feel more alert and have more energy if you aren't dehydrated. Also, by replacing other drinks, such as sweet tea and soda, with water, you are saving calories.
6. Shop healthy.
When you go to the grocery store, limit yourself to buying mostly healthy food, especially fresh produce. That way, when you mindlessly snack, you won't be doing much damage.
7. Calorie-free coffee.
If you can stand the taste of coffee back, do it. Otherwise, try using milk as your sweetener/creamer, or use sugar-free creamer. The more titles on your coffee drink, like frappucino, mochalatte, whipped, yadda yadda, just means more calories. Get your coffee buzz without all the guilt.
