When you go off to college people usually think you'll come back 15 pounds heavier. The Freshman 15 is much talked about, and everybody thinks they can't avoid it. However, it is very possible to not gain a bunch of weight freshman year. Here are eight tips that will help you prove that you can keep away from the infamous Freshman 15.

1. Be mindful of the food you have in your dorm.

It's 10 p.m. and suddenly you have become extremely hungry. What do you do? Well you go into drawers in your room and get all the food that you have and chow down. This is why you need to be careful of what you have in your room. Make sure to keep healthy snacks and meal options that you can eat. This way you'll always have healthy options at your fingertips.

2. Figure out a good gym schedule.

The first week of classes try to figure out when you have time to go to the gym during the day. It's good to get into a routine that you can stick to. The best time to go would be if there's a big gap of time between classes. By creating a schedule it won't feel as forced to go workout for an hour. Go and have a positive mind about it!

3. If you hate the gym, find alternative ways to exercise.

If the gym makes you want to run and hide behind any object then explore other options. There are so many activities that are fun and keep you in shape, especially at App State. Go on a hike with friends or trying something new like rock climbing or biking. Another great way to not gain weight is simply walk to classes, or if you're late run to classes.

4. Keep a water bottle with you at all times.

To save calories and meal plan money it's smart to always have a water bottle with you. It's a well known fact that water keeps a person healthy. Having a cup when you're going to class throughout the day will help you stay hydrated and you'll be less likely to gain weight. Try to stick to water instead of drinking soda or other drinks that are not healthy for you. These drinks will make you feel sluggish and tired, but water won't!

5. Stop eating Chick-Fil-A every day.

Yes, it is very tempting to just grab a Chick-Fil-A sandwich and some fries and call it a day, but it's terrible for you! People in the dining hall are constantly going overboard with the food they get. It's smart to explore the dinning hall and find healthy options that are also delicious. Try new things and have an open mind because you may find a new food you love. And do allow yourself Chick-Fil-A or McAlister's every once in a while, because who could resist it.

6. Late night food runs can be dangerous.

It's Saturday night and you're about to call it a night with your friends. You'll either go home or go to one of the late night food spots. Whether you love getting Insomnia, Cookout, Waffle House, pizza, or one of the other late night food spots, these meals are super bad for you. Obviously it's hard not to give in but it's smart to not go overboard with what you eat so late. Either eat in moderation or skip it all together. Your body will thank you in the morning.

7. The market can be your best friend.

If you don't like the food in the dinning hall, the market can be a great place. There are so many snack and meal options that can last you a long time and not be too expensive. One example would be all the soup options they have. At the market you can get healthy meals that can be enjoyable and that you can keep in your room.

8. Take care of yourself.

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important factors in steering clear of the freshman 15. It is vital that you get a good amount of sleep and rest. When you aren't getting sleep or are stressed you're more likely to eat unhealthy food. Make sure to put time aside for yourself to relax and de-stress. By taking care of yourself you will be more successful in not becoming physically unhealthy.

A healthy body is so important in college. It consists of people constantly getting sick or being overly exhausted. Feeling sluggish from weight gain will not make either of these any easier. By eating healthy and keeping your body in good shape, your mind will become stronger too. When you eat good, you feel good, and when you feel good you can get more things done. Don't let the Chick-Fil-A get you!