Embarking upon your first year at college means a lot of wonderful things are headed your way—new friends, amazing experiences, and a wealth of exciting opportunities. With this newfound freedom, however, comes a new responsibility: maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of the Freshman 15—oh yes, you’ve certainly heard of it, and you most definitely fear it. I remember being absolutely terrified when I was told that I would inevitably gain weight my first year at school, because apparently “everyone did."
I quickly learned that this is not necessarily true. The Freshman 15 is not a sentence—it will only happen if you let it, because you are the one in control of the choices you make and what you decide to put into your body. That being said, I was able to avoid the Freshman 15 by making healthy choices, maintaining an active lifestyle, yet still indulging in my favorite treats from time to time. Here are some of my top tips for making your first year at college your happiest and healthiest one yet.
1. Find a workout buddy.
Gone are the days of two-hour sports practices and your mom nagging you to walk the dog. Now that you’re off on your own, it is your responsibility to make exercising a priority. Why do it alone, though? Find a friend who you can rely on to drag your butt out of bed (or vice-versa!) and hold each other accountable. For me, this person was my roommate—we’d hit up the gym, go on runs, or cue up some Blogilates on YouTube. While engaging in physical activity helps fend off unwanted weight, it also boosts your energy, improves your mood, and your overall health—and like most things in life, it’s just more fun to do it with a friend.
2. Don't skimp on breakfast.
For some reason, college students love to skip the first (yet most important) meal of the day. Eating a high-fiber breakfast with balanced protein and carbohydrates will not only give you the energy to power through your 9 a.m. lecture, it will also keep you satiated longer, meaning you won’t be starving come lunchtime (and then inhale every item of food in your midst). In your dining hall, opt for some whole-wheat toast and eggs with fresh fruit, and try to steer clear of refined carbohydrates, like muffins and pastries. Have the tendency to sleep in before your morning class? Picks like instant oatmeal or a protein bar will do the trick in a pinch.
3. Commit to making physical activity part of your daily routine.
Once you make something part of your routine, it’s tough to kick. This goes for binge-watching "Friends"on Netflix and hitting up the gym regularly. Try to plan your sweat session for the same time each day—that way your body can get acclimated to a new routine and if you skip it, something will feel amiss in your day. They say it only takes 21 days to form a habit—so, why not indulge your Netflix obsession while torching calories on the elliptical?
4. Stock your dorm room with healthy options.
The best way to avoid unhealthy foods is to limit your accessibility to them. If it’s not sitting around in your room, you will be much less likely to eat it. So, eliminate the temptation, save some money, and nix the candy bars, chips, and sweets from your grocery list. My roommate and I love stocking our pantry and fridge with the quick and healthy essentials: oatmeal, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein bars, string cheese, and nuts. Protein-rich snacks like these help curb those late-night cravings, but without leaving you feeling bloated the next morning.
5. Get to sleep!
I know—in college, it’s hard, but studies show sleep deprivation can sabotage efforts to be healthy. In high school, you were probably used to a more regimented schedule that let you hit the hay before midnight. No curfew, no parents, an increased workload and late-night parties will make turning in at a decent hour seem like an impossible feat. However, getting an ample amount of sleep (for college students, 8 hours) will keep you focused and refreshed to face your busy days. Still up burning the midnight oil? Never fear, power naps are your new best friend. In as little as 20 minutes, your brain can reap some healthy benefits like increased mental alertness, memory, and creativity.
6. Be conscientious if you choose to drink.
Being in college means a whole new slew of social possibilities, which typically revolves around a lively bar and frat scene. Should you choose to drink, be sure to do a little research before refilling your cup. It’s easy to guzzle down a few too many drinks with unknown amounts of calories, sugar, and God-knows-what else. Check out some simple, “healthier” drink options for a waist-friendly night out here.
Yes, it is possible to avoid the Freshman 15 (or any weight gain for that matter) if you commit to living an active lifestyle and be mindful of your food choices. Your first year of college should be fun, so don’t sweat it if you can’t make it to the gym every day or have a second (or third) slice of pizza. When consumed in moderation, you can still indulge in the foods that you love. A healthy body means a healthy mind, a healthy self-esteem, and a happy YOU. Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!
