How To: Avoid The Freshman 15

This post is mainly about me giving you the tips I wish I had known in college. I fell victim to the freshman 15. And then the sophomore 15. And then the junior 15. And then the senior 15. Over my course in undergrad I ended up gaining around 100lbs. So that's more like 25lbs a year. Ridiculous, I know. But that's what I want to help you avoid. All of the things I wish I had known when I was a freshman, and a whole lot slimmer!  

Before College vs. After College

1. Get a meal plan 

When I went for orientation, we had to eat at the various places on campus that were included in the meal plan. And I really wish I would've gotten one. Every cafeteria or restaurant, not really sure what to call it, had a fresh salad bar, and other healthy food options. They all had vegetarian options and had a suitable balance between healthy food and pizza and french fries. When you have a meal plan, you're less likely to eat out at fast food restaurants which could really save you in the end.  

2. Utilize the fitness center

It's a full service gym and fitness center! And it's included in your tuition! Use it. At FSU they had personal trainers that would develop workout plans with and for you. There were so many group exercise classes that you could join if you didn't want to workout alone. I loved the spin class! Kicked my butt, by man was it hard core! Do your research and you'll find so many ways to stay fit! Take a dance class for the semester, join a running group, or just go to the gym. I know that at the school I'm attend for my MBA there is a running group and an outdoor, heated swimming pool to use year round. 

3. Drink a lot of water

You hear this all the time. Just being healthy in general, you should always drink water. The recommended amount is 64oz per day. You can always get yourself a filtered water jug, fill up your cute water bottle that's reusable, and take it with you all day on campus. Refill your bottle when you stop for lunch! And when you work out, drink it up! Staying hydrated will help you maintain your weight, avoid illness, and have amazing skin! 

4. Eat healthy snacks 

Keeping healthy snacks in your dorm room is essential. There are so many healthy options at the grocery store nowadays that it's quite easy! Granola bars, yogurt, fruit cups, and so much more. Below I have 2 recipes for you that are cheap and easy to make. The first is frozen yogurt dots and then a frozen fruit cup. Bring the yogurt dots with you to the library and snack on the fruit while you hang out in your room!

Frozen Yogurt Dots: Shutterbean Recipe

Frozen Fruit Cups: Ree Drummond from Food Network

5. Always eat breakfast

For real though. Don't skip breakfast. Have an 8am class? Eat fresh fruit. Or granola. Or a fruit cup. Have time for a real meal? Grab a veggie filled omelet, or a fruit and veggie smoothie! There are tons of healthy options for breakfast. You mainly want them to keep you full and keep you from over snacking! High protein and fiber breakfasts are the best. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you want to keep your mind strong and sharp for class! Especially during exam time!

How do you fight the freshman 15?