How to avoid the Freshman 15

Many of us have our own tricks and own ideas on how to keep off the extra pounds during those stressful college times. But for those who are desperate to fight the Freshman 15, Sophomore 10, or Junior 5, here are some secrets that worked for me.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a positive attitude
• the ability to go against the grain

1. Lay off the soda. I know how tempting it is to grab a cup by the dining hall soda fountains and fill 'er up with the sugary syrup (or poison liquid) of your choice but don't. Go for the diet or the water. This a real quick way to gain extra pounds fast and it is easy enough to avoid.

2. Ask for something grilled not fried. When I first read over the grill menu at my dining hall, I was stuck on the fried foods (chicken fingers, fries, mozzarella sticks). But I started to ask for a grilled chicken and dressed it up with tomatoes, pickles, and honey mustard and found it was a decent substitute. Grease on your hands is also not a desirable feeling when your running off to your next class.

3. Bring a snack with you to class. If you know you'll be on campus for awhile and you won't have time to grab something wholesome in the cafeteria, don't let the vending machines get you. Pack a snack in you bag before you run out the door. I found that a piece of fruit or a health snack bar with a bottle of water did the trick. This way you avoid buying some empty calorie snack in the machines and you won't over eat your next meal due to starvation.

4. Don't order late night food. One of the biggest temptations in college was the late night food service available either by delivery or pick up. It is extremely comforting and satisfying to be able to have a grilled cheese or cookie after a long night of studying or drinking. But eating late will mess with your body in undesirable ways. Your friends may make you get something but try to pick less and talk more rather than stuff the food away.

5. Keep the dorm snacks to a minimum. You live in such a tight space in college and having a supply of food can often haunt you. I would keep the snacks to just a few necessities. For instance a box of snack bars, or a bag of pretzels would be easy enough to keep without overdoing it for most. But a supply of microwavable macaroni and cheese or a bag of potato chips may be more of a trouble zone.