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College Girl!

MeebzD3
MeebzD3 Posts: 1
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I just started my second year at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls and I'm hoping it won't be a repeat of last year.

Last year I showed up to school expecting to gain a "freshman 15" but didn't expect the weight gain coming from a new sedentary lifestyle would turn into a "freshman 35." Since last spring I've been really trying to not gain any weight, and so far I've been successful. However, I just recently moved back to school and I'm really falling into old habits.

When you live on campus, it's hard to find a good place to exercise. We have a gym on campus, but it's expensive. We have good high quality food, but it's all deep fried... Case and point, it's pretty difficult to watch your weight when you live on campus. So, I'm here, asking for advice and moral support, anything I get to help me with my situation.

Thanks so much!

Meebz

Replies

  • truedecember
    truedecember Posts: 151 Member
    Hey I'm also a college student!! In fact I go to UW-Madison!! I completely understand your frustration. The stress of exams and studying, the fact that everyone else is pigging out all the time and that only unhealthy food is available and it's hard to find time to exercise.... believe me I know!!

    But also believe me, it CAN be done! You just have to make time to put your health first. It's all about making the best choices you can. I often pack myself a lunch, and I make sure I always have a healthy snack with me. And even if you can only squeeze in a quick workout here and there, that's better than nothing at all!

    Welcome to the site, there is great support here!
  • incircles_lp2
    incircles_lp2 Posts: 132 Member
    Find ways to keep active. When I was in college I always tried to bike or walk to class-you'd be surprised how many extra calories it can add up to! It was kind of like a game for me! This is how I kept fit during college. It is really hard to resist all the damn food temptations in college! Seems like everyone is eating all the time...grrrr.
  • susiejo11
    susiejo11 Posts: 1
    Hey Meebz,
    I'm a college girl too, in Arizona. I think something that would help a lot is buying food at the grocery store instead of the stuff on campus. Not only is this healthier it's a heck of a lot cheaper :)

    As far as exercising goes, I don't know what to tell you. That stinks that you have to pay for your gym, ours is included in registration. If you were really motivated you could run or jog (I've personally never been able to get myself to do that). Or if you have a car you could look for a cheaper gym close to campus. I'm sure you'll fall into a new routine that works great for you!

    Good luck!
    Susan
  • metsgirl31
    metsgirl31 Posts: 45
    I'm also a college girl! I go to UMASS-Amherst, and I know what you're feeling. I found a gym a few miles off campus (i have my car here) which is only $10 a month! I moved off campus, so I buy all my food and cook for myself for the most part (cooking for yourself saves money! No eating out cause 1. its not healthy, and 2. i'm broke!). If you still live on campus, does your dorm have a kitchen? if it does, you can make a lot of healthy food and then freeze it, and you have all your meals for a while.
    Everyone once in a while its nice to indulge in some pizza or something, but usually i just stick to my own cooked food.

    I think my college is one of the better ones regarding "freshman 15"- they have all kinds of programs and seminars to teach freshmen to eat right and about all the healthy choices on campus. At every meal they have a fresh salad bar, grilled chicken, and plenty of vegetarian food. We also have "earth foods" which is all naturally grown food from the area, and its pretty cheap!

    Us college kids should stick together- its hard keeping on track with classes, exams, roommates, parties, friends and their junk food, etc!
  • karissastephens
    karissastephens Posts: 324 Member
    we should make a college group for those of us needing advice. We all are goin through the same thing!
  • guamchar
    guamchar Posts: 100 Member
    I live off-campus, so it's easier on me. However, I am oncampus from 9-5 two days a week, so I am faced with the unhealthy eating options. I try to pack my own lunch or at least pick the healthiest choices out of what's available. For example, there's a McD's and a Quiznos subs. I know that if I eat a turkey sub on wheat, it's alot better than anything from McDs. I park as far away from my classes as possible (partially because I'm trying to be good and partially because those are the only open parking spots) and then walk to class.

    When I lived in the dorm, I actually lost weight. I'd love to weigh what I did back then. Good luck.
  • Kelly11
    Kelly11 Posts: 75 Member
    Be really mindful of when you're eating! I'm pretty sure I gained my college weight from all the late-night snacking I did. :wink:

    I'm from northern Wisconsin, btw!
  • JessicaT2007
    JessicaT2007 Posts: 553 Member
    That really sucks that your school gym is not "free". I say "free" because we pay for it in our fees for every semester. I utilize this at my school. I would say for exercise, make the campus your gym. Walk/run thru campus when you have time to work out. Buy little weights you can wear as you get more advanced in your workouts. Keep music on my MP3 and just go!

    For food, I would grocery shop, or at least keep healthy snacks in a fridge. I live off campus so I am not much help with that.
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