Chips! Cookies! Alcohol! How to Avoid the Freshman 15

The Freshman 15 is the idea that freshman students have the potential to gain fifteen pounds in their first year of study in college, due to a less structured diet and the availability of exciting but fattening new options. But, just because you’re a freshman doesn’t mean your doomed to experience this weight gain. Here are some ways to avoid the Freshman 15:

80s workout montage

There’s nothing that can focus the mind on fitness quite like an 80s-synth tune. So, blast the track and collect a headband, technicolor, sleeveless shirt, and wrist tape and go to work! If you’re a film major, you can even get a friend to record your epic workout and use the footage for a project.

Avoid the fourth meal of the day

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, not breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night cold pizza. If you can keep your impulses in check and keep a structured enough diet plan, you’ll be ahead of the curve. Also, beer isn’t breakfasting so make sure you’re eating and drinking the right items for your three meals.

Steer clear vending machines

College campuses are littered with these devil boxes, crammed with temptation. Just avoid them! Hershey bars and Lays potato chips can be tempting but keeping your money in your pocket and out of the machines can keep the weight away.

Dance the night away

Sure, partying is all about needless indulgence, whether it be in junk food or alcohol. But, dancing, rather than just sitting around eating and drinking, at a party can help shed some pounds as well as deliver a night of fun. Plus, you might moonwalk your way into a love connection.

Outdoor activities with friends

Why not take the party outside? Go outside and throw around the Frisbee, football, or just hang around a park. This way you remove yourself from the temptation of the snacks and helps you get active.

Pay attention to portion size

The instinct to grab as much food as you want is strong, but it would be smart to pay attention to portion size. This way, you can ensure you aren’t eating too much (or too little). This is a good way to keep track of caloric intake as well.

Opt for lower fat options

There are some food and drinks, such as milk, pasta, and bread, that offer the lower-fat option. By opting for these options, you can have virtually the same food you would without a diet.

Munch on healthy snacks

During a long study session, rather than snacking on chips and cookies, why not go for celery and carrots? Snacks are meant to re-energize you during the day, so by going for a healthy option, you will be given a real energy boost.

Buy tighter pants

Pressure is the greatest motivator. If you have tight pants, it will force you to keep the weight down through the sheer motivation of public shame. Nobody wants to look like a hundred pounds of beef in a twenty-pound bag.

Don’t get paranoid about it

Look, weight gain as you get older is natural. You aren’t going to be twenty pounds soaking wet your whole life. So, don’t get paranoid about it. The last thing you want to do is develop an eating disorder because you gain weight that is natural. Just be conscious this weight gain will happen and don’t get complacent.

Freshman