How to Avoid the Freshman 15

Most likely, your freshman year in college is going to be the first time you will live away from your parents. What it means is that no one will tell you that you have to study, remind you that you need to go to bed in time, manage your behavior and cook healthy meals for you. Sounds great? But the feeling of freedom you have in this case and the way you start eating can lead you to the so-called Freshman 15. If you want to avoid gaining weight and remain healthy, follow our tips!

Join a Sport

Does it sound tempting for you to stay up all night long, have fun with your friends, go to the parties and be as lazy as you want to? Well, it can be fun, but your body needs a different thing. Join a sport in your college. It won’t only help you avoid packing up extra pounds but also bring new people and experiences to your life. If joining a sports team isn’t for you, at least go to your college gym or do jogging. Any physical activity will do.

Make a Meal Plan

To make a perfect plan, consult with a specialist in nutrition who will advise you what amount of vegetables, fruits, proteins and grains you should add to your diet. Know the amount of nutrients you should consume daily and stick to your plan. But of course, treating yourself with an occasional cake once in a while is fine.

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

Drinking has several disadvantages for your body shape. Firstly, beer, cocktails and other drinks have many calories. Secondly, if you’re drunk, you tend to eat more. Thirdly, it’s hard to work out the night after a drinking binge. So better don’t engage into it. Drink in moderation.

Eat at Least Three Meals a Day

If you think that skipping meals will result in weight loss, you’re mistaken. Actually, your body tends to store more fat if you eat only couple of times per day. So, you need to eat at least 3 times per day and those should be balanced meals. Even better, eat 5 times per day, but in smaller portions. This tip is especially useful if your blood sugar levels are low and if you need food to help your brain function better.

Avoid Junk Food

Yes, we know that French fries, burgers, pizza, sugary drinks and sodas are delicious. But in the meantime, their nutritional value is extremely low. They provide your body with empty calories, leading to weight gain in the long run. Moreover, if you eat too much junk food, you might get something similar to an addiction to it. So, your parents had a point when they limited the junk food you were eating as a child. If you need motivation for cutting junk food away from your diet, watch a documentary Supersize Me.