Tips for weight loss in freshman year of college?

I joined this site last summer before my freshmen year. I was determined not to gain the freshmen 15 and instead of gaining I actually lost 10 pounds. My high School clothes are actually kinda big on me now. I workout at least 5 days a week but its mostly about calories in and calories out. Also, look at some of the foods you eat and switch them for the more healthier version. For example, instead of regular chips you can get vegetable chips or the snap pea crisps, Whole wheat bread and oatmeal instead of white. Try to eat meals high in protein and drink lots of water. Greek yogurt has around 15g of protein per serving and only about 130 calories. Good luck with freshmen year and staying healthy

Walk everywhere. Keep your car at your apartment/dorm/condo/whatever. If you're commuting, park it once and try not to move it to get from class to class (not sure how open your campus is, though, so that might be unfeasible).

This was the most important one for me. I didn't gain any weight my first three years of college because I didn't have a car and walked everywhere. The closest shopping center was almost a mile away, and while many of my friends insisted on driving or taking the bus, I had no problem walking there and back. It wasn't until I got a car after my junior year that the junk food and alcohol started to catch up.

Don't overindulge in the Natty Light and in the all-you-can eat dining rooms.

Go bucks!
<--- Alum

Alum here too! One week!

I gained weight at college because the dining hall was basically all you can eat, with a lot of different options at every meal. A little of this, a little of that, and a little from the dessert bar every day .... bam, 15 lbs.

That said, if I was actually watching my diet (which I wasn't) it would have been very easy to avoid the gain, and eat healthy, since there were so many options, including a huge salad bar.

Good luck!!

Eat the foods in your cafeteria that aren't slathered in butter and grease. You can also usually just ask for a piece of grilled chicken or egg whites instead of whole eggs. And, if you can't find any healthy options, talk to someone in charge. Ask how you can get healthier options while at school. They love that kind of stuff in college (if you go about it nicely and all).

Also, pack your own snacks for between classes. That way, you're not forced to eat the 400 calorie muffin from the coffee stand if you're hungry. Just get some coffee. And avoid the free pizza. It's glorious, it really is, but pizza is a staple and advertising technique for college students. Try to eat a salad before you go to somewhere with "free pizza."

Good luck!!