Everyone has heard of the dreaded "freshman 15" as they entire into college. You are told that there is no way to get around it but you are wrong! Not every college freshman gained their 15 pounds -- some even lost weight. Here are some helpful tips to not gaining the wrong kind of weight, and living a healthy lifestyle in college.

1. Do not drive to class.

Walk! Walk everywhere you go. If you go to a smaller university this is easy, a bigger university may seem to be difficult, but you can do it. Rack up as many steps as you can.

2. Go to the gym.

Every college has one, and it's included in your tuition fees. So if you are paying for it, you might as well be using it. I'm not saying that you have to "live" in the gym, but you can take at least 30 min out of your day for some exercise. It's also a great way to relieve stress.

3. While in the gym, RUN.

You have to do cardio, you really have to. Even if you hate it, you still need to do it.

4. Pick healthy food in the cafe.

Your cafe does offer healthy foods, eat them. Grab some fruit, have a salad with your meal. Eat for three meals, breakfast (this is actually really important), lunch and dinner. Also, know that it's okay to get a piece of pizza if you crave it, or if "Fried Chicken Friday" just smells too good to resist. That's all okay to have in moderation, but not to survive off of. To answer your question, eating a salad will not cancel out that whole pizza you just had, that's not how nutrition works.

5. Avoid the center of the grocery store.

Some of you will have apartments and have to buy your own food. Some of you will just like to have snacks in your room. Keep to the outside aisles, they have the fruits/veggies, meats, dairy, the stuff that is good for you. The inside aisles they have the chips, cookies, processed junk, all the things your body likes, but does not need. I know that this will be a little more money; I understand that it sucks and that you're broke. Spending the extra money will be worth it, though, I promise.

6. Get out there and join something.

Whether is be an athletic, a club team, or even an intramural, get out there and participate. Campus Recreation can offer you all of this, plus extra fitness classes. Not only will this force you to be active, but you will be surrounding yourself with people who can motivate you to stay fit. Plus you can make friends.

7. Sleep.

Sleep is important. You need just the right amount, though, six to nine hours is ideal. If you want your mind and body to function correctly, you will go to bed!

Stay Fit, stay active, and stay healthy. The freshman 15 is real. Do you want it to happen to you?