You might be wondering what “Freshman 15” is and how it connects to college life. Well, Freshman 15 is an expression used for first-year college students and refers to the extra weight they usually gain. A lot of students do gain more than 15 pounds while some gain less or none at all. In other countries, the expression might be different, like “First-Year Fatties, Fresher Spread, or Fresher Five. Going home after your first break will generally have your parents saying, “Wow, you got fat!” or “That stomach has grown an inch!”
Yeah, it can be a little embarrassing when they say it or make fun of it, but it is usually the new reality. So, are you looking for a few ways to avoid falling into the “weight gain” trap? We have done a little research and have found these tips to be pretty helpful…
Get Enough Sleep
Medical experts note it is important to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. We know you will say it is impossible, especially when you have assignments due, or you have a pep-exam in the morning. Yes, we understand a lot of you might be multitasking like working while going to school, but it is empirical to get enough rest to balance both your mental and physical health. Also, with proper sleep, you will become more health-conscious and manage a great diet in the process.
Have a Healthy Breakfast
One of the simplest ways to avoid the Freshman 15 is to start the day off right! Breakfast is a great way to get your metabolism working for the day, and having a healthy breakfast will help you to achieve this. A lot of students tend to eat when they are stressed or frustrated—as such, having a healthy breakfast will help you to keep focus and reduce frustration. Once all of these comes into play, you will have limited time to eat “junk” that tends to pack the pounds.
Avoid the Freshman 15: Don’t Drink
Drinking is not healthy when done too much or on an empty stomach. Don’t get us wrong; having a glass of wine now and again will help to boost your mind and system. Drinking tends to pack on a lot of unwanted calories, and with limited time to work out or go for daily walks, you will not be able to shed that extra weight you gained. Furthermore, most first-year students are underage and not allowed to drink anyway.
Eat Regularly
People tend to believe bulk eating works out better, but in the end, it is not healthy and does more harm for you than good. As a college freshman, you can maintain your original weight by eating regularly. This gives your system enough chance to work on the nutrients it is provided with. Snacking healthily now and again is better than packing up with gas.
Create a Balanced Meal Plan
A balanced meal plan helps you to eat properly and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep you boosted and going. For those staying in the dorm, you can easily create a plan and, most importantly, ensure you stick to it. You should ensure your meal plan consists of lean meats, nuts, fish, and other protein-loaded foods.
Drink Lots of Water
Sugar is a “saving grace” for many college students, but they never stop to think about the dangers it is causing to their bodies over time. The sugar gradually builds up in your system, and since you are not exercising as much, it does not burn off easily. Instead of having a soda the next time you are on lunch, grab a bottle of water instead. It not only quenches your thirst, but it also flushes your system and rids the body of unwanted toxins and helps you avoid that Freshman 15.
Add Healthy Snacks to Your Room’s Pantry
Instead of those snacks filled with sugar and sodium, go for more healthy snacks like some granola, nuts, and fruit-based. However, before going out to buy, you want to make sure they are energy-boosting snacks that will help you to focus and stabilize your mind.
Set Aside Some Time for Exercise
Above all the tips outlined above, you want to ensure exercising is a part of the deal. You need to set aside a few minutes each day or week to do some workout and help burn the excess fats you may have gathered over time. You can work out in your room or go for early morning or late-night jogs. Also, you can choose to walk to your classes each day instead of driving across campus. Your body will thank you for it later.
Other college posts you may find interesting:
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- 10 Activities that Look Great on a Scholarship Application
- 6 Tips for Applying for College Scholarships
- How to Keep Your College Scholarships and Deadlines Organized
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