The Freshman 15
While many of you may have toddlers, a few of you may also have your first college-age child heading off to school—and we all know what that means…The Freshman 15. The “freshman 15 ” is a term used to describe the weight gained by students during their freshman (first) year of study in college. The term refers to the often-reported, yet unsubstantiated claim that freshman typically gain 15 pounds during their first year.
These 15 pounds have been blamed on everything from increased alcohol intake to the consumption of fat- and carbohydrate-rich cafeteria-style food and fast food in university dormitories to a lack of sleep.
While you’ve done your best in trying to teach your kids about nutrition and proper eating habits, a lot gets thrown out the window when they head to school.
Here are some tips from TeensHealth on how to avoid gaining weight.
The best way to beat weight gain is to prevent it altogether. Good habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can do more than keep the pounds off—they can also help you stay healthy and avoid problems down the line. Adopting some simple practices can have a big impact today and years from now.
Take a sound approach to eating. Here are some easy ways to adopt a healthy food attitude:
• avoid eating when stressed, while studying, or while watching TV
• eat slowly
• eat at regular times and try not to skip meals
• keep between-meal and late-night snacking to a minimum
• choose a mix of nutritious foods
• pick lower-fat options when you can, such as low-fat milk instead of whole milk or light salad dressing instead of full-fat dressing
• watch the size of your portions
• resist going back for additional servings
• steer clear of vending machines and fast food
• keep healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables on hand in your room
• replace empty-calorie soft drinks with water or skim milk
Be aware of your attitude toward food. If you find yourself fixating on food or your weight, or feeling guilty about what you eat, talk to your doctor or ask someone at the student health center for advice.
Learn about nutrition. Many schools have nutrition counselors. If yours does not, talk to someone on the student health services staff about nutrition and how to make good choices in the dining hall.
For more tips, including how to get a healthy amount of sleep, go here.
Now, head to the library and hit the books!
