Every girl going into college is mainly afraid of one thing, gaining the freshman 15. It is actually just as easy to avoid the freshman 15 as it is to gain it. These five steps will help you avoid this dreaded fate, and honestly, it’s not even that hard. You’ve got this, girl!
Exercise
Okay, I know you’ve heard it a million times before, but seriously, exercising is your best friend when it comes to avoiding the freshman 15. And guess what? You don’t have to hit the gym like an Olympic athlete to see results! Just find something you enjoy and stick to it. Take a yoga class, join an intramural sports team, or dance your heart out in your dorm room (just make sure your roommate is cool with it). The key is consistency and having fun while doing it, because who says working out has to be a chore?
Don’t be a late-night snacking queen
We’ve all been there. It’s 2 a.m., you’re up studying (or binge-watching Netflix, no judgment), and suddenly you have the strongest craving for pizza or ice cream. Resist the urge! Late-night snacking is a surefire way to pack on those extra pounds. Instead, try sipping on some tea or munching on a handful of baby carrots. Your waistline and your skin will thank you.
Make friends with the salad bar
Listen, I’m not saying you have to go full-on vegan or anything (unless you want to, and that’s cool too), but incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet is essential to staying healthy and avoiding weight gain. Most college dining halls have salad bars with a variety of toppings, so mix it up and get creative! Just be careful with those high-calorie salad dressings and toppings. Stick to light vinaigrettes and load up on the veggies.
Limit the liquid calories
College is notorious for parties, and parties usually mean alcohol. While it’s totally fine to let loose every now and then, remember that alcohol is packed with empty calories that can add up quickly. And let’s not forget the late-night food cravings that usually follow a night of drinking (hello, greasy pizza). If you do decide to indulge, try to stick to lower-calorie options like vodka soda with a splash of lime or a glass of wine. And always, always drink responsibly.
Learn to manage stress
College life can be super stressful, and stress can lead to emotional eating or even skipping meals entirely. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, like practicing mindfulness, journaling, or talking to a friend. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
What do you think?
So there you have it – five simple steps to help you avoid the freshman 15. Now, it’s your turn to share. What are your best tips and tricks for staying healthy and avoiding weight gain in college? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below, and let’s help each other conquer the freshman 15 once and for all together!
