Staying healthy in college?

thook02

I've noticed the freshman 15 is a real thing, only I gained the freshman 20. I tried eating healthy and working out here once before but none of my friends were and it was really really really hard. I'm living in a dorm so my food options are limited and everything in the cafeteria has GMO (including their really delicious french fries) except the salad bar (with icky veggies) and sometimes the vegetarian section. Any tips for a college girl would be welcome and appreciated!

healthy_hermione

Do you have access to a kitchen? Or even a microwave? I'm a college student as well but if you do have access then try and cook boneless and skinless chicken breasts, chili, quesadillas, etc. if no access to a stove then use a microwave if you can. You can get bags of mixed frozen veggies and microwave them. Same with chili.
Try and have a fruit and/or veggie with every meal.

I also have a dining meal plan and the food is also crap. So what I do is grab a slice of pizza and then fill my plate with veggies.
There's also healthy snacks you could do.
Also, if your school gym offers group fitness classes I would recommend them!

Psychgrrl

Knowing the calorie content is really important, If you have Aramark or Sodexo in charge of your dining hall, their nutritional info is in here. If it's not it should still be available on their website.

GMO is not related to weight gain, though some people due to medical conditions can't have it.

Have you asked about making healthier options available? Or getting different veggies on the salad bar? You can also get some food for your room, protein bars, whole fruits and veggies, instant oatmeal, peanut butter.

But the key to losing weight is taking in fewer calories than you burn. So that info is crucial.

EHisCDN

I live in residence with a mandatory meal plan to the cafe (which is all you can eat style). What has been working for me isn't crazy, I walk everyday for at least 30 minutes, do a basic bodyweight strength routine in my room (crunches, pushups, squats etc) and I limit snacking and treats to Friday and special occasions only. I also drink a lot of tea and water but that's because I love tea!

I don't know if any of that helps you but try finding your own routine and then stick to it for at least a month before trying something new. I agree with another commenter about group exercise classes, they can be great!

km8907

Smaller portions and better choices. When I was in college, it seemed impossible to stay healthy, and by the end of it, I gained almost 100 pounds, but only because after the first month of attempting to eat healthy, I really didn't give a crap what I was eating. It's possible to stay healthy, even with cafeteria food. Keep your portions small and make better choices. Take advantage of the school's free gym if they have one. Once you're an upperclassman, consider an apartment with friends, and you'll have your own kitchen.