Avoiding your “freshmen 15”
Now if you don’t know what the “Freshmen 15” is, here’s the definition: gaining 15 pounds your first year at college. Though mostly occurring in women, men float in the same boat as well. Extra weight is not something that any girl, or guy for that matter, likes to see.
This archived article was written by: Natalie Thomas
Now if you don’t know what the “Freshmen 15” is, here’s the definition: gaining 15 pounds your first year at college. Though mostly occurring in women, men float in the same boat as well. Extra weight is not something that any girl, or guy for that matter, likes to see.
Some of the most common ways the “Freshmen 15” comes on is by the food you have in your dorms. Look in your cupboards at the nutrition facts. Probably a lot of them are high in calories because they are snack foods for when you are not in class or have nothing to do. Instead of filling your dorm with junk food, fill it with healthy snacks like Special K bars or low calorie foods.
Eating more water based foods such as apples, grapes, and watermelon helps maintain a healthy weight. Stocking your room with fruits, vegetables and nuts is also nutritious. When going to a fast food restaurant or someplace where your meal comes with fries, ask for a baked potato or a healthier substitute side. Fried foods help add on weight a lot quicker.
When eating salad, get light dressings. Sometimes having a small refrigerator in your dorm helps so you can make your meals from home. It saves money and is healthier than going out to eat constantly. Eating little healthy snacks between each meal keeps you full and helps to stop cravings for junk food.
Exercising is a key to keeping a healthy weight. Go for a walk with some friends for a half an hour or go to the gym in the BDAC that is free for student use. Get a group of friends to go play games in the park, or go play volleyball, racquet ball, join a club, try out for a sports team- something to keep you active while you are at school. There are so many things to do you could never be bored.
Exam time! A time that some students eat the most, caused by stress from wanting and needing to ace exams, getting all their work done and turned in on time, going to work and school activities, plus trying to find time for all their friends. Eating healthy during exam time is just as important as during your normal school days.
We all know that eating junk food, particularly sugar, gives you a short burst of energy to get the test done, then crash. Well some people do well that way, others don’t but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for your body. In fact, most of the time it probably makes you sick.
Keep your meal times and eating habits as they were before. Don’t cram your brain the night before the test or you will probably end up forgetting half of what you studied. Eat breakfast! You may not feel the difference but it truly helps you concentrate. One of the most important things- get sleep, but not too much sleep.
All in all, why waste your time becoming unhealthy just because your parents aren’t there to give you a little guidance as to what is and isn’t good for you. You will be a brighter student, healthier and, chances are, a more fun person if you keep a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
