With September here and fall peeping around the corner, a few things can be guaranteed: Traffic in the mornings is sure to add at least fifteen minutes to a commute, schools everywhere are filled with students of all ages, and for a select group of lucky young adults, college is being experienced for the first time. Freshman everywhere are attending their first college classes, getting a taste of freedom and feeling the rush of excitement that comes with being on their own for the first time. While freshman year can be one of the best times of your life, there is one thing you should be aware of early on: the freshman 15 is not a myth.
Not only is the freshman 15 real, but it can also turn into the freshman 20 or sophomore 30 pretty quickly if you aren’t careful. While it is real, it is also avoidable with a few lifestyle decisions and conscious behavior changes. I’ve come up with a couple tips to help you combat the freshman 15 and make the most of your college experience.
Skip the Bus
Depending on the campus size, most universities have a convenient bus system for students. While it seems like a good idea to hop on the bus anytime you can, choose to walk instead! Budget a few extra minutes in the morning and take a stroll to class. Not only will you be burning extra calories, but you might also discover a cool area or your new favorite study space on campus.
Everything in Moderation
One of the best parts of being a freshman is the meal plan! You have 24/7 access to all types of food, all the time. The build your own pizza station, the ice cream bar and the dessert station can be tempting, but remember not to go overboard. Try and limit your visits to the dessert line to once a week or only get pizza on weekends. For all other meals, make sure you’re incorporating fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your plate. The eating habits you form now can last a lifetime, so make it easy on yourself and get control of it now.
Get Involved on Campus
Intramural sports are a great way to get involved on campus and stay active. You can find sports from basketball and soccer to water polo and battleship. No matter what your interests are, you can find it with intramural sports. Whether you’ve played all your life or are a beginner with no experience, you can participate. Intramural sports are a great way to find or continue a hobby, stay active and meet new friends in a relaxed and stress-free environment!
Combating the freshman 15 doesn’t need to mean crazy diets, intense workout routines, and missing out on the first year of college experience. By making a few conscious decisions and being aware of your habits, you can make sure to avoid gaining weight while forming lifelong healthy habits!
For more information tips and tricks on how to stay healthy, visit www.sjdhealthandfitness.com or call 770-881-3256.
SJD Health and Fitness 