College freshmen across the country are gaining weight and fail to realize why until their jeans are too tight. As high school seniors prepare for their first year of college, understanding the causes of the notorious "freshman 15" might make them think twice about some of the choices they make this upcoming school year. Here are some things that will make it super easy to pack on the pounds.
1. Junk food is extremely cheap.
Being a poor college kid means you only have enough money for that 25 cent noodle pack or the instant mac n' cheese cup for a dollar. Unfortunately, that's just how junk food is. Instead of getting that bang for your buck, you're getting that belly for your buck.
2. Dining halls offer the worst.
Most options at the dining halls are there to satisfy your hunger, not your health. There are salad bars, but they're loaded with so many unhealthy toppings, such as fattening dressings, bacon bits, cheese, pepperoni slices, etc. Although chicken tender day is the best day, it doesn't do much for your arteries!
3. Staying active is hard.
If you went from being a student-athlete in high school to just being a student in college, odds are, you went from going to practice after school every day to watching Netflix after school every day. Without that structure of being on an active team, it's hard to get to the gym.
4. Procrastination leads to snacking.
Remember all those snacks your mom packed for you to take back to school when you went home for the weekend? You and I both know that they only get eaten when you don't want to write that paper. And let's be honest, you avoided that paper all week. Think about how many snacks that adds up to be.
5. Late night munchies.
When you're up late cramming for that exam you have the next day, why not cram some food down your throat too? Especially when your favorite pizza delivery place delivers until 3 a.m.
6. Alcohol.
Something college freshmen don't realize is that while you're going crazy on the weekends, you're also consuming so many calories. One can of beer on average has around 150 calories!
7. Sense of independence.
Part of being in college is being independent. You've never been this independent before, so when it comes to buying your groceries on your own, mom and dad aren't there to throw fruits and veggies in the cart.
8. Bus systems are a beautiful thing.
Taking the bus to class instead of walking is so easy when it's extremely cold or hot out, or you sleep in and leave 15 minutes before your class starts. Not to mention it usually gets you to class faster than walking would.
