One of the biggest fears for incoming college freshman is gaining the dreaded Freshman 15. The Freshman 15 is the weight first-year college students are rumored to gain during the transition to college life.
While the Freshman 15 is not a guarantee for all students, this myth is real. Personally, I have witnessed many of my friends gaining a few pounds during their first year in college. This weight gain can be contributed to stress, poor eating habits, partying and drinking and dining hall food.
Along with the academic goals I set for myself my first year of college, I promised myself I would stay healthy and avoid the Freshman 15 at all costs. I successfully avoided the Freshman 15 and actually lost weight my first year of college by following a few tips to ensure I combated this college stereotype.
1. Stay motivated and plan your workouts.
Don't get me wrong, it was hard to stay on track. When juggling exams, work and the adjustment to being completely on your own, finding the time to take care of yourself can be tough.
I kept myself motivated throughout the semester by setting at minimum three days that I planned to be active. By planning ahead of time the days I wanted to go to the gym, it was harder to bail on my plans. Making time in your busy college schedule can seem daunting, but taking 30 minutes out of your day to sweat can help you feel less stressed and have a restful night.
If you're unfamiliar with going to the gym, find inspiration from the internet. Pinterest workouts and YouTube videos are your best friend for at-home workouts to begin your fitness routine.
If you're not into becoming a gym rat, find a nearby park or nature trail near your campus to hike or run. Simply by taking a break from studying to get outdoors and do some cardio, you can begin to live a healthier lifestyle.
2. Find your favorite way to stay active.
When trying to stay healthy and get fit, the hardest part can be forcing yourself to actually do it. The solution to this problem to to find what you love in order to make working out fun. Heavy lifting and extensive cardio routines are not for everyone, so find what you love and stick to it.
My university's campus recreation center offers fitness classes, and this was my favorite way to stay on track. On days when I didn't want to plan my workout, I signed up for a cycling class that was a killer workout and the highlight of my week.
Staying active with your friends can make working out more fun and helps keep everyone accountable. If you were involved in sports while in high school, join an intramural or club team in order to stay active.
3. Avoid dining hall junk food and find healthy dorm options.
One of the easiest ways to gain weight in college is by eating poorly. It is difficult to avoid unhealthy dining hall options when this is the primary option for most freshman living on campus.
My biggest tip is to avoid the junk food (all day/everyday pizza, endless dessert, and ice cream, fries, etc.) and find your favorite healthy alternatives. Veggie burgers, the salad bar, and the stir fry station were my go-to options when the dining hall failed to deliver healthy food.
Cooking in a dorm is near to impossible when the only appliances you are allotted are a mini fridge with a sub-par freezer, a microwave and a Brita water filter. When I failed to find healthy options at the dining halls, I was forced to find ways I could make healthy options with what I had. Oatmeal was my go-to microwavable snack that offered healthy grains and fiber that could satisfy my hunger at any time (literally).
My Nutribullet blender became my best friend and was the perfect size to fit inside my dorm. I would purchase yogurt, juice or coconut water, spinach or kale, and frozen fruits to make me a smoothie or smoothie bowl that was a healthy snack or meal replacement. Most college campuses offer smoothie bars, but they often contain loads of sugar and can become an expensive habit. Making your own smoothie is easy and an affordable option for healthy dorm food.
4. Make healthy choices, but have fun!
Your first year in college should not be about trying to not gain weight or avoiding eating the late night pizza run. Simply by getting enough rest (which can be almost impossible) and not skipping breakfast, you can start living a healthier lifestyle while being a successful student.
Becoming an independent adult requires finding ways to create healthy habits that will follow you for the rest of your life. Stay healthy isn't always easy and missing a workout occasionally is acceptable, but by following these tips I can guarantee you'll avoid the infamous Freshman 15.
