The Freshman 15 is something that is very real. It seems like it continues to add as you go through college too. The Freshman 15 turns into the Sophomore 20, then comes the Junior 25, and the Senior 30. It seems the older we get the more weight we put on because our lives get so busy that we don't have time to cook nutritious food, hit the gym, or even to take time to relax and sleep. No one blames you for not having a killer bod, because I definitely do not have one either, but here are some things I like to keep in mind:

1. Drink lots of water!

It is so easy to forget to drink water but it is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Buy yourself a nice water bottle and bring it everywhere. I find myself drinking a lot more water through out the day because it is simply available. I really like Camelbaks because they are so durable and come in so many different colors, but I know that all my friends have different water bottles. Experts always preach about how good water is for you and how it helps you lose weight, so why wouldn't we try something so simple. I also find myself less tired because I get less tired. It also saves you a lot of money when you just fill up your water bottle instead of buying pop or coffee through out the day.

2. Do not eat when you are bored.

I am so guilty of this. If I am doing homework, waiting for a friend to come over, or just bored, I snack. Usually, my snacks are never healthy. It is not bad to eat fruit as a snack, but the first step is what you put into your kitchen or dorm room. It is a lot easier to snack on an apple over cookies when you only have apples in your room. I used to go to the store and buy things like chips, cookies, fruit snacks, but now I try to resist and buy things like apples, granola bars, and string cheese. I won't lie, it takes a lot of will power, but you will feel a lot better.

3. Find an accountability buddy!

It is so hard to workout, eat better, and live a better life when you do not have someone to hold you accountable for your actions. I found friends that I can count on to keep me inline when I am really craving fast food or when I do not want to get out of bed again. Having the constant reminders make it easier for me to take action. Find someone to workout with, they will push you to go consistently and to try your hardest when you are working out. It is always easier to do something when you do not have to do it alone.

4. Let yourself have a cheat day.

I love my fast food, cookies, and Netflix days for sure, so I set aside a day where I let myself eat what I want and do what I want. By letting yourself eat some ice cream one day a week, you can reward yourself for doing so well during the week. No one ever gained 15 pounds over night, so do not sweat it. Eventually, you notice that your cravings are not so bad and it makes it easier to choose healthier options.

5. Try smaller portion sizes.

It is so easy to go to the cafeteria and pile your plate full of food when it is all you can eat, but portion sizes are one of the easiest ways to control what you eat. Everything is okay in moderation, but if you cut back on your portions, you will find that you feel better because you are not stuffed full. Try to order one size smaller than what you usually order, or if you go our split a meal into two and then you have leftovers for later in the week. I have found that I ate way too much food just because it was in front of me.

These are all pretty simple things that we can do to avoid those extra pounds this semester, and none of them require a gym membership or a ton of money. I challenge you to try to incorperate these things into your daily life in order to start living a healthier life.

Have any other tips? Comment below to help others reach their goals.