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Step 1
Purchase a meal plan with the lowest amount of meals. The odds that you will eat on campus 3 meals a day every day are very slim. Most colleges and universities have a “if you don’t use it, you lose it” policy. Pick your plan wisely so that you don’t feel guilty about not using your extra meals and eat when you’re not hungry just to get rid of them. Don’t worry about not having enough meals, often the cafeterias will allow you to buy al la carte or with cash. Don’t forget that many of your new friends are going to purchase an excessive meal plan, and you can borrow their unused meals.
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Step 2
Portion your meals properly. Cafeteria meals are often “buffet style” and allow you to create your own portions in an all-you-can-eat style. Don’t go over board! Only take what you plan on eating, and don’t take more than necessary. Also remember to choose foods that are healthier: sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, meats, soups, and salads… stay away from over processed and fried foods. And, remember not to overdo it on the desserts!
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Step 3
Grab healthy snacks for your dorm room fridge. When you’re on the buffet line, grab some extra foods for snacks later on. During trips to the store, stock up on things you can’t get with your meal plan, like granola bars, trail mix, etc. Keep these foods stored in your dorm room fridge and eat these healthy foods instead of junk food in between meals and while studying.
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Step 4
Don’t make eating out a habit. Save money by trying to eat on campus as much as possible. When you dine out, try to stick to healthier food options and stay away from fried foods. Order water instead of soda and your cocktails for going out, and skip them during meals. Not only will you keep your slim figure but mom and dad will be happier that you’re saving them a few bucks here and there.
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Step 5
Don’t drink too much! Know when to stop… Alcohol is a cup full of empty calories. Keep your alcohol intake down to a night or two a week instead of every single night.
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Step 6
Many colleges have “late night” dining around 9-11pm. Try to resist the temptation to eat right before going to bed. Eat your most fattening foods in the morning so that you have all day to burn it off. Eating late at night and going to sleep makes all those calories sit in your stomach and does not give your body enough time to burn them off.
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Step 7
Get plenty of sleep. Set a bedtime for yourself on nights where you have early classes. It’s important you get your full 8 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain because it decreases the levels of leptin in your body.
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Step 8
Walk or bike to class instead of driving. I know it’s easier to just drive to class, especially in the morning, but instead save some gas and walk or bike. Just walking to and from classes every day can dramatically reduce your chances of weight gain.
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Step 9
Don’t stress out! Try not to stress out about classes and tests. Don’t wait until the last minute and cram for exams. Stressing out causes you to overeat which causes weight gain. Instead, learn to study more effectively by reading “How to Study for an Exam Effectively and Get Better Grades” that can be found in the additional resources below.
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Step 10
Finally, take advantage of the campus facilities. Often you will be blessed with a gym on campus that is free for students. Take advantage of this free savings! Get a buddy and keep a strict workout regime. This way, you be a little more lackadaisical with your eating and drinking if you are combating it with exercise.
Comments
tgillespie said
on 8/13/2009 Where was this article when I was in college. I gained the sophomore 40 :). Great tips.