How to Survive Freshman Year Without Stress & Weight Gain

Starting college causes many students to get stressed out and gain the dreaded Freshman 15 pounds (or more!) Don't let it happen to you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good game plan
• Healthy snacks and meals
• An exercise buddy

1. Do your homework before you pack for college. Learn how to plan a simple healthy meal. Do you know what to select from the school's cafeteria and what's "safe" to order at a restaurant?

2. Take advantage of your parents' big box store membership and bring a carton of low fat microwave popcorn. Pick up a couple flavors of low calorie popcorn flavor sprinkles (like nacho cheese, ranch, and caramel) at the grocery store.

3. Make exercise an integral part of your daily routine. You don't have to invest in a gym membership. Allow extra time to get to class so you can walk or ride your bike. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator. Besides burning calories, exercise is a great stress buster! Try to turn your roommate into an exercise buddy. You can help each other stay on track.

4. If your friends are ordering pizza, opt for a slice with loads of veggies and NO pepperoni. Keep a bag of salad greens and your favorite no-fat dressing in your dorm fridge to enjoy so that one slice will fill you up.

Tips & Warnings

• Little changes in lifestyle can add up. Switch from regular soda to diet. Instead of pastry for breakfast, try low fat yogurt and high fiber cereal.
• Carry your own healthy snacks to satisfy your hunger without giving into temptation between classes.
• Give into a craving for some special food. Just be sure to limit the portion size and try to exercise a bit more.
• When you think you need junk food to help you through a study session, try an exercise break instead.
• Watch out for seemingly "safe" choices like a salad bar. If you opt for full fat dressing, lots of shredded cheese, etc. you can easily consume more fat and calories than a fast food triple cheeseburger!