Starting college is exciting. It’s a place to prepare your mind for a successful future. Unfortunately, the hours spent sitting, learning, studying, and not having much time to cook or find healthy options can take their toll on your physique. Not every new college student gains weight during their first year, but the issue is common enough that it has its own nickname: the freshman 15.
Unfortunately, gaining weight in college doesn’t just have an impact on self-esteem. It could even affect career options later in life. In college, you’re earning your degree to make the most out of your career. One day an employer could choose you to lead the organization, especially if you have a quality degree and the proper mindset and ethic to excel. How you treat your body plays a big factor into who you are, your job, and more. It’s necessary to take care of yourself and keep your mind and body in tip top shape.
If you’re worried about putting on some pounds when you start living in a dorm, here’s what you need to know about weight gain in college and tips for how to avoid the freshman 15 yourself.
Where Do The Freshman 15 and Extra Pounds Come From?
There are several reasons so many new students end up with “the Freshman 15.” Those stressful few months—and unlimited dining hall pizza—don’t do anyone’s waistline any favors. College life is busy, and most dorms aren’t geared toward healthy foods. Mini fridges and microwaves can only really “cook” processed foods, and dining halls tend to have more comfort foods like burgers and soft-serve ice cream instead of whole foods and vegetables.
College life is busy and can be overwhelming. It’s more convenient to eat fast food or frozen pizza bites when your energy is going toward studying and doing well on tests. That stress can also make you crave salty, fatty, or sugary foods than you would normally. No one is regulating what or how much you eat, and your parents aren’t there to guilt you into eating your vegetables. Plus, if you drink coffee, you might be consuming more sugar and dairy products than you think. Those poor food choices add up to extra pounds that can creep up pretty quickly.
Avoid Freshman Weight Gain by Making Fitness Fun
So how can you avoid the Freshman 15? First, get moving. Not only will exercise help you keep the Freshman 15 at bay, it’ll help you to feel better, focus, and perform better academically. Deciding to get in shape is an emotional undertaking. Many people get discouraged when the results do not come as fast as they’d like. And let’s face it—getting in shape is hard work. It takes dedication. Results don’t come from a few intense workouts here and there. Fitness takes consistency and perseverance.
The best way to start building a regular exercise routine is to make it fun. One freshman turned to others to provide accountability and to make exercise fun. Working with a personal trainer and exercising with friends helped her to stay on track and focus on progress rather than “results”. Finding exercise you enjoy has a dual benefit—you’ll gain all the benefits of exercise and be more motivated to choose healthier foods and lifestyle habits.
Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
During your school years, your friends will be a major influence in your life—for good or for bad. Surrounding yourself with others who are also trying to stay healthy will help you to develop positive body habits and maintain better overall well-being. Developing health habits when you are young can especially help your health as you age, and later in life. A network of fit-conscious friends can help hold you accountable and encourage you when you’re feeling frustrated.
Besides making exercise a priority and stocking your mini fridge with better-for-you snacks like raw veggies, fruit, hummus, and string cheese, your friends might end up being the key to preventing weight gain. Binge drinking is common on many college campuses, and in addition to being dangerous, it can contribute to weight gain. Choosing your friends carefully can help you avoid situations that might lead to unhealthy choices and actually encourage you to stick to your goals.
Start Off Conscious of the Freshman 15
So how to avoid the freshman 15? Be aware that it can creep up on you unless you make an effort to build healthy habits. Starting out by avoiding pitfalls that pack on the pounds can make all the difference. You’ll feel better and more confident by making healthy choices from day one!
