5 Ways To Beat The Freshman Fifteen

70% of students entering college gain a significant amount of weight.

This alarming statistic, reported in The Journal of American College Health, is enough to make any freshman stress about their weight their first year of college. Is the “freshman fifteen” inevitable? Absolutely not. There are many basic tips and tricks to avoid weight gain in college– and some of them just might be easier than you think.

5 Simple Tips

1. Take the stairs. Residence halls and college buildings are typically equipped with modern ‘conveniences’ like the elevator. Even though the elevator seems handy, skip it. Taking the stairs is an easy way to infuse activity into a day filled with sitting in classes and studying.
2. Be smart when stocking up on snacks for your dorm. For many of you, college will be the first time you get to be the one doing the grocery shopping. It’s fun, so embrace it– just keep this in mind: studies show the weight gain comes from eating an excess of only 112 calories per day. How easy would 112 calories be to cut out? Keeping high-calorie snacks out of your room will keep temptation from tipping you over the edge.
3. Stay aware of your weight. Most of us hate getting on the scale, but remember that weight gain is a gradual process. Having a scale in your room so you can periodically check up on your weight will help you catch the potential change before it turns into an obvious problem. And if you see the difference yourself on the scale, you’ll be more determined to re-evaluate any harmful habits you’ve picked up and do something about making a healthy change.
   

   Remember to have fun with your exercise.

4. Don’t skip breakfast. When you’re on the go in the morning it’s common to pass on breakfast. Some even try skipping it in order to cut out calories– don’t! A balanced diet is key to staying healthy, and a balanced diet includes breakfast. Breakfast not only helps you focus in class, it also kick-starts your metabolism and prevents you from pigging out on a big  lunch later.
5. Remember to play. Working out doesn’t have to mean dragging yourself to the gym and spending an hour on the treadmill. Have fun with your exercise! Walk or ride your bike into town with a friend, organize a game of Frisbee or  touch-football, or join an intramural team at your college. Choose your favorite activity and allow yourself to take that much-needed break from studying.

Above all, don’t obsess over your weight.

These tips are all small adjustments to your daily routine to show you that staying healthy doesn’t have to be stressful or consuming. Remember that the “freshman fifteen” is definitely not inevitable, and one of the worst things you can do is add more stress to your day by obsessing over your weight. Reducing stress is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.