Freshman year is so exciting. It is your first time away from home, you're making new friends, trying new things, and visiting new places. It's what you spent the past four years of high school dreaming about. A lot happens during freshman year, college football games, college lectures, college parties, independence on a whole new scale, but don't let this independence let your guard down. Be aware of your surroundings, watch your drink, and at all costs, avoid the infamous freshman 15.
Having an unlimited dining plan at your disposal is awesome, and all the great restaurants around campus are amazing, but going back home for the holidays with more jelly in your belly isn't the way you want to arrive.
Here are a few ways to avoid the freshman 15:
Exercise
Yes, it's work, but this is probably the first time in a long time that you aren't playing an organized sport. That's right, you aren't at practice two-three hours each day, and you are probably still consuming the same amount of calories as you did when you had a lax practice. BUT HAVE NO FEAR. Schools have fitness centers.
University of Alabama students have two amazing gyms at their disposal. A personal favorite of mine is the Rec Center. It boasts a rock wall, a pool, a cardio area, a weight area, and basketball courts. Spend an hour or two a couple times a week, and you'll still manage to keep your health up and the pounds down. In addition, it's a great way to clear your head and keep your stress level down.
Eating
THE DINING HALLS HERE ARE THE BOMB! There are also many amazing restaurants along the strip and the food trucks that line up along the streets are spectacular, BUT DON'T EAT EVERYTHING YOU WANT BECAUSE NO ONE IS HERE TO STOP YOU. Unlimited is nice because you never really need to worry about running out, but when you are eating a BBQ sandwich and pizza, you need to worry about the weight you can gain.
Walking
If you are a freshman from out of state, it is very likely you don't have a car. If you do, I am incredibly jealous. Before you get here, you don't realize that you literally walk everywhere. You are unintentionally working out. Bizarre, right? The great thing about campus is that everything is within walking distance. While taking the bus is an option, walking might be a better choice if you feel like skipping the gym and you've made too many trips to Insomnia Cookies.
Therapeutic
Trying to balance everything in college is stressful, I have been here for two weeks, and I always want to nap. But going to the gym gives me such a great feeling afterward that I always feel so much better than I did before I got there. Exercise helps rid your body of toxins and releases endorphins that make you happy.
School hasn't been in session for over a month, and we have several months left to go. Hopefully, by the end of the school year, the only things that we will have gained are another National Championship (Roll Tide), increased intelligence, and greater friendships, but definitely not the freshman 15.
