Freshman year of college is a whirlwind of changes from living on your own and making new friends, to balancing a heavier work load. All of these new experiences can cause lots of stress which therefore cured with eating. This is a common social activity in school, meet a friend for lunch, catch up and get a meal in. This sounds like your managing your time wisely and you probably are, but make sure that your body is getting what it deserves as well.
1. Carry water with you wherever you go.
Bring it to class, the gym, the cafeteria, etc. Backpacks with side pockets are perfect in college. Personalize it by decorating your bottle with stickers. Use them wisely and keep refilling! Drinking water will make your body feel fuller and makes you less likely to snack.
2. Create a routine ASAP.
By getting in the habit of class, gym, homework, dinner, or whatever works best for your schedule, you will be able to stick to a schedule that allows for a healthy lifestyle. Look at college as your job. Work ( a.k.a study) from 9-5 or a block of eight hours a day. Work includes class, homework and studying. Book yourself an hour for lunch and get right back on track.
3. Plan your meals.
Don't get the same boring pasta with marinara sauce everyday. Switch it up, try new entrees and make a balanced diet. If you carb-out at lunch, opt for a big green salad at dinner.
4. Do not compare!
You are you and only you. Your body, habits, food choices and exercise routine are completely unique. Your friend may hit the gym five days a week when three may be more doable for you. Remember that each of us are different and beautiful.
5. Analyze, make and conquer goals!
Make sure that your goals are set for the lifestyle you want, whether it is the current one or not.
6. Don't drink your calories.
There will be a milkshake machine, as well as any kind of soda, Gatorade or iced tea you can imagine. Stay away!! These drinks are filled with unhealthy sugar. Every once in a while, totally give in and enjoy that glass of Sprite, but don't make a bad habit of it.
7. Find what makes you confident.
College has loads of opportunities to experience. Find a club, team or board that has a positive atmosphere and encourages healthy ways. This could be a great way to find a gym buddy for those of us who need the extra push.
8. Don't go crazy about free food.
Toward the end of each semester, our meal plan money runs low and some will not have enough to make it through without a phone call to mom and dad asking to replenish funds. You will probably have an overload of unread emails from different departments, clubs and organizations offering free food when you attend an event. This is great and all but don't go crazy and attend each event just to eat. Go to the ones that interest you, and maybe have the good pizza.
