Avoiding the "Freshman Fifteen"

Going away to college for the first time may be the most stressful moment in your life so far. You may worry about getting along with your roommate, starting college classes, choosing a major, being away from your family, trying to meet new people, and figuring out how you are going to balance all of your activities. It is easy for health and well-being to get dropped to the bottom of your "to do" list. Family and friends have probably joked around with you about gaining the "freshman fifteen." Research has shown that it is actually closer to four to six pounds of weight gain during the first year of college. Engaging in unhealthy eating habits is not only bad for your waist line, but can cause fatigue and lower your immune system. The last thing you want is to be exhausted or sick on top of being stressed.

Here are some tips for avoiding the "Freshman Fifteen".

• Click Here for MyPlate to help you create a balanced, nutritious meal. The Food Pyramid is old news in case you have not heard!
• Do not skip meals. Even if you have back to back classes, bring snacks with you.
• Go for baked, grilled, or steamed options instead of fried foods.
• Keep your dorm full of healthy snacks like granola bars, fresh or dried fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds.
• Bigger is not always better...watch your portion sizes.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated without extra calories.
• Avoid alcoholic and high sugar beverages because they are high in calories and have few nutrients.
• Keep moving! Exercise in any form will help you stay at a healthy weight and manage your stress.

Want more nutrition information?

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