Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen?

You've already taken the right step by being worried about gaining! I just graduated from undergrad, so I was in your shoes not too long ago. I moved into my dorm with the same attitude: "DO NOT gain that Freshman 15!"... and you know what? I didn't. Because I didn't want to. I think I had a slice of pizza maybe once or twice. I rarely ate the asian food, and never had the burgers. I knew the bad stuff and I avoided it like the plague.

You will do the same, because not only are you worried about it, but you've also got MFP helping you along!

As for snacking tips: just make sure you buy healthier snacks! And if you can't buy the ultra healthy stuff because of your college budget, just keep calorie-counting so you can better manage what you eat.

Good luck!

Stay on here and just keep track and definitely don't start drinking soda just because its there everywhere!!! Other than that MODERATION!

Salad bar (hopefully you have one!) will be your best friend. My school cafeteria is pretty healthy, but I still stick with the chicken breast, salad bar, fresh fruit, and cereal. Try not to eat anything that's pre-made where you don't know the recipe or ingredients, it will probably have more fat (cooking oil) and salt that you think.

Buy your own food as much as your budget will allow. This next semester I'll be heading to the grocery store for my staples such as almonds and yogurt. Pack whenever you can.

As for late night study sessions, avoid them whenever possible. Sleep is not only important to health, you will learn better as well! I have always strove for get 6-8 hours of sleep every night before class. Study during the day when the information is fresh in your mind after class.

I'm going into my senior year of college and honestly, its not the food that made me gain the "freshman 15" it was the drinking. Partying every weekend because you're living on your own with out parents to come home to really caught up with me and my waste line. My advice would be that if you are going to party and consume alcohol, make sure you aren't over doing it. If you're not a drinker just remember to try to keep your portions similar to what you eat at home and make sure you get fruits and veggies in. Most likely the pizza and burgers will be available every day so make those food items a one a week treat.

Good luck and don't forget to study!

MAN it is a little tricky haha. I'll be a senior next year, and I've done a lot of different things to lose weight in college. If your school has a gym, PLEASE take advantage of it, and never lie to yourself that you are too tired, it's too cold to walk to, or you don't have the time. Those were all my excuses! Also, if you CAN walk, do so! My school has a rockin bus system because it's a large-ish campus, but I don't usually use it. The hardest thing is eating with friends. Once I saw a kid load pizza slices on top of a mountain of fries. I wish I could do that haha! Know portion sizes and what is right for you. If everyone goes back and gets seconds, don't go yourself, or if you do, get baby carrots. Meals at college = social time. Be aware of what you are eating and if you are hungry. I would also buy oatmeal back when I lived in a dorm and that would be one of my meals. Now that I live in an apartment I rarely go to by dining hall.

Lesson that I learned
*Fad diets don't work
* Exercise is essential
* Portions!!!
* Think/plan ahead when you know you are going to be in a social situation

You will have SOOOO much fun in school, but it's hard work too! You will do great, and it's awesome that you are already thinking and planning for this. I sure didn't haha.

hii
i just finished my first year of college, and am going to be a sophomore this year, and i did unfortunately gain the freshman 15

seriously, there is a LOT of late night eating.. in college, you can basically get ANYTHING delivered to you at night, so it's a lot about will power. just because it's there doesn't mean you have to get it-- i basically gave in anytime chinese, or cookies sounded good (yes, we could get fresh baked cookies and milk DELIVERED to our dorms). have some healthy snacks stashed into your room for late night snacking, like vegetables, nuts, or pretzels. and when your friends order pizza at eleven o'clock at night (or later!) and ask if you want in, use your will power! if you're not hungry, don't eat it!

there are definitely healthy options with school food. take advantage of the salad bars, and always order the small size of something if it's unhealthy. pasta alfredo? small size! and usually there are healthy options, like wheat pasta instead of regular, or ask for the sauce on the side of the spaghetti, etc. etc.

also, take advantage of your school's fitness opportunities! my school offered free Zumba, kick boxing, cardio core, core training, boot camp, etc etc classes everyday and i got lazy after a few weeks and stopped going! if you have thesopportunities, always take advantage! especially after lazy kids (like me!) get bored and stop going after the first few weeks, and the class is less crowded!
and don't be deterred by the school fitness centers. i was always intimidated by the older students and stuck to the track to workout, which was boring. don't hesitate to ask someone who works there how thing work, or go to some sort of orientation for the school's gym to learn the ropes. the more comfortable you are, the more you'll want to go. and seriously, when school is getting hectic and you feel like you're going to explode because of the stress, going to exercise is the best! because not only does it get you away from everything that's stressing you out, but it's also good for you so you don't feel guilty walking away from your work

if you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to message me!

hope i helped somewhat!

also, take advantage of your school's fitness opportunities! my school offered free Zumba, kick boxing, cardio core, core training, boot camp, etc etc classes everyday and i got lazy after a few weeks and stopped going! if you have thesopportunities, always take advantage! especially after lazy kids (like me!) get bored and stop going after the first few weeks, and the class is less crowded!
and don't be deterred by the school fitness centers. i was always intimidated by the older students and stuck to the track to workout, which was boring. don't hesitate to ask someone who works there how thing work, or go to some sort of orientation for the school's gym to learn the ropes. the more comfortable you are, the more you'll want to go. and seriously, when school is getting hectic and you feel like you're going to explode because of the stress, going to exercise is the best! because not only does it get you away from everything that's stressing you out, but it's also good for you so you don't feel guilty walking away from your work

Maybe this is why I didn't get the Freshman 15. I took a swimming class and a ballroom dance class. My friends and I loved to swim.

Don't worry about it ... You only get to b a frosh once - enjoy it.

Ps doing the dirty burns alot of cals.

I definitely gained the freshman 15, and regret it everyday! it's been a struggle getting back to my highschool weight. I'm sure you already know but drinking happens, and when your drunk you want to snack, my college there was a dominoes right down the street. It was always very tempting, I finally am moving off campus this next year and can't wait just so I won't be tempted to get the late night snacks, fried food and french fries pizzas all of that thats offered late nights in the cafe. My advice to you is live your college years but stay away from the fried foods, and drink half of your weight in oz of water each day! It will help dramatically!! Stay away from the dorm room snacks, popcorn & mac and cheese....get canned fruits, bananas, keep healthy foods in your dorm. Best idea I did was get a gym membership, go everyday, not only relieves stress from homework and hours of studying but it
lt'll keep you healthy!! Enjoy your Freshman year!!

bump

I saw that someone was really anti- beer and they had the notion that you are going to carry a water. Well if you do or are a drinker I would suggest just having shots before you go out to avoid all the calories in mix drinks/beer and bring out one drink for you to sip on.

Join a club or organization on campus. My sorority used to do physical activities all the time including going to the gym, playing sports, and doing community service.

When in the cafe, get water from the soda machines. Use the big cups. Soda and juices have so many un-needed sugars.

Stay away from fried food. Usually there is a grilled choice when it comes to meats.
Stay away from large amounts of sauces. Usually I would ask for a light amount of sauce.

If you just do that stuff and cut the calories, you'll probably be fine Good luck!

it's really hard but if you have the motivation you can do it. I actually thought going to uni would help me lose weight because i was controlling what i was eating but i ended up eventually following everyone else's bad habits and gained 30 pounds so keep yourself motivated, make sure your fitting exercise in and good luck!