Going off to college means gaining independence, but sometimes it leads to more than that. Most college freshmen also gain about ten pounds as they adjust to making their own decisions. It doesn’t have to be that way. Just keep in mind the following suggestions from your very first day on campus.
1. Make smart choices at the cafeteria. Try to avoid rich and heavy casseroles, fried entries and baked desserts. Instead, start opting for vegetarian dishes that are almost always offered. Make use of the salad bar and always choose light dressings. Keep in mind that each meal should include something from each of the five food groups: protein from meat (beans or eggs), grains, dairy, fruit and vegetables. Another good idea is to stop by the cafeteria often for small, healthy snacks instead of eating three big meals every day.
2. Buy or rent a small refrigerator for you dorm room so that you can control your own snacking. Stock it with fat-free yogurt, fresh fruit, sugar-free juices and even string cheese and nuts.
3. Keep alcohol to a minimum. Did you know that one beer has 150 calories? Vodka and coke has 120, white wine has 119 and rum and coke has 129. One big party or even a couple happy hours a week and all of your wise food choices will have been in vain. Since you need eight glasses of water per day anyway, try alternating cocktails with water throughout the evening.
4. Increase your physical activity. Sitting in lecture halls and pulling all-nighters at the library don’t exactly burn calories. Make sure that you do more than just walk to class every day. Check out the university gym for free classes or join an intramural sport. It’s not only a great way to meet people, you’ll burn calories and build muscle at the same time.
Meeting new people in different social settings is far better than binge eating during times of stress. Going off to college for the first time can be a challenge, but if you keep in mind the ramifications of your eating choices you can make sure that you return home the same size as when you left.
