In college, you have access to a cafeteria with tons of food; it’s so easy to take advantage of. Sure, the weight room in the gym is always open, but your bed is way more comfortable and Netflix is totally calling your name. The freshman 15 is just a myth anyway, right? Wrong. With all the new freedom and stress, your appetite grows larger and your pants grow smaller, how can this be avoided?
Start by making smart food choices. Eat three balanced meals a day. Get protein and carbs, fruit, vegetables, the whole ordeal. When you snack, try to go for the fruit and protein bars, and unbuttered popcorn instead of the potato chips and candy bars. Don’t sleep through breakfast just because you can wake up, eat a poptart, and run to class. Wake up and give yourself time to make it to breakfast.
Provide yourself with enough sleep. Don’t stay up all night trying to cram for that test. Don’t procrastinate and that won’t be necessary. Sleep deprivations not only has physical consequences, it also has mental consequences. Your brain will start to shut down and your metabolism will slow down and it’s all around very unhealthy. Try to count on getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night so that you can function properly.
Take advantage of your school’s weight room. It will most likely be open everyday. Go to it. Create a workout plan or find one online. Lift weights, squat, run on the treadmill, run outside, just get some sort of exercise. Taking care of your body is very important and if you don’t work it out, you’re going to absolutely gain the freshman 15. Working out and staying fit will help your mood, your brain, and your systems (like your immune system, metabolism, respiratory system, etc.). You pay a large sum of money to be at the school, you might as well take advantage of the facilities and keep your body healthy.
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