Freshman year of college brings about a multitude of changes, including new responsibilities, freedoms, and a whole new diet. The dreaded freshman 15 is alive and well, but it can be avoided. Here are five easy steps to help combat the freshman fifteen.

1. Find a workout partner

When you have someone else to go to the gym with and that encourages you, exercise will become more of a fun activity rather than a task to complete. From personal experience, I always tend to be more motivated when someone is counting on me.

2. Make a routine and stick to it

College has a lot of distractions, but you need to find a routine and stick with it in order to get the best results. It is also best to let your body catch up and take a break. However, don't vary your off days, STICK WITH A SET SCHEDULE.

3. Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is essential to staying healthy. When you feel sluggish, you will not want to go to the gym and will binge eat junk food. College is a tough place to get sleep, but it is a must.

4. Eat healthy

Now, I'm not saying you need to go insane and eat only rabbit food for the rest of your life. Just try to steer clear of sugary foods and limit the second helpings of food. Also, it is always better, in the long run, to eat in the dining hall than in your room. Although a single cup of soup may seem like the answer, you will become more hungry and eat more later. Just proportion your meals, and make your plate colorful!

5. Drink tons of water

Water helps rejuvenate your body and keeps you away from sugary drink, which is essential to avoiding the freshman fifteen.

The freshman 15 sounds scary, but with a little work, it can be prevented.