Is the freshman 15 true? What can I do to avoid it? I love to eat...?

Question

I'm not fat but I deff don't want to gain 15 pounds. I honestly think that when I go to college I will loose weight because of their fitness center and me having the opportunity to go there for free...Plus I am going the equestrian team there? I love to ride horses!

Answer 1

If you're off to college, you're probably worried about the dreaded weight gain many freshmen experience. Here's how to avoid it!
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: All Day
Here's How:
Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat helps you keep track of what you're putting in your mouth and avoid extra calories.
Get some sleep. Sleep deprivation often leads to weight gain, so try to get to bed at a reasonable hour whenever you can.
Keep the late nights to a minimum. Staying up all night means you'll be craving pizza come 3:00 a.m. The longer you're awake, the more you'll eat (and drink).
Avoid drinking. Okay, the occasional beer is fine, but try to avoid drinking every night since alcohol packs tons of empty calories that will cling to your body like white on rice. If you do drink, commit to having a glass of water for every drink you consume. This will help you keep the drinking under control and hydrate your body (it's dehydration that leads to hangovers).
Exercise. To keep your weight under control, you should try to get as much activity as possible. Shoot for at least 30 or more minutes a day of cardio and strength training exercises and try to be as active as possible by walking as much as you can, taking the stairs, etc.
Make better food choices. Fill up on fruits, veggies and whole grains and you won't be so hungry for that giant piece of cheescake. Many university cafeterias are notorious for having tons of junkfood available. Make healthy choices as often as you can and your body will thank you.
Eat regularly. Bring snacks (yogurt, bagels, pretzels, etc.) with you to class so you don't reach starvation mode during the day.
Be realistic. Understand that you will indulge from time to time and that's okay. The occasional missed workout or piece of chocolate cake won't kill you.
Be mindful. Pay attention to what you're doing to avoid mindless munching. Don't eat straight out of the bag...get a handful of chips and decide that's it.
Enjoy yourself. You'll never have another freshman year, so have fun and don't be too hard on yourself. There are lots of changes to assimilate when you go to college, so finding a balance is your first priority. You'll figure it out with a little time and ingenuity.
Tips:
Plan your workouts the night before so you're prepared for an early morning jog or walk before class.
Harass your roommate into working out with you. It's easier with a friend.
Take advantage of your college's fitness center. It's usually free for students.
Avoid the 'all-you-can-eat' buffet at the cafeteria.
Keep your dorm fridge stocked with fruits and veggies for healthier snacking.

Answer 2

It is true, it does/can happen. If you live in the dorms usually the food isn't the healthiest, lots of partying and drinking, late night fast food runs and pizza delivery, and high stress, it all adds up.

I actually lost a little weight because I was in the fitness field for my major and was very active with that, plus I frequented the rec center, and I biked and walked to classes, etc.

You have the right idea about getting involved at your fitness center, and with the equestrian team. Just try to stay active and make sensible food choices and I think you'll do ok.

Answer 3

A lot of college dorms have an open all the time, all you can eat buffet. Freshman eat as much as they can at each sitting, plus munch when they study. As a freshman, avoid taking three trips to the buffet and munch healthy or healthier snacks (grapes, berries, granola). It sounds like you're smarter than that, so as long as you go to the gym and stay smart, you'll be just fine, I'm sure. Good luck with the equestrian team, that sounds great!

Answer 4

omg so true. I gained 14 lbs over here i thought i would go to the REC center every night and i thought marching band would take care of me but it didn't there's just too much food and i have bad eating habits. Try to avoid eating late at night, avoid sugar and when you're studying try not to eat heavy stuff while you're studyig. Yeah just don't be a slob and you'll be ok cause i'm not anymore i've started running again. Hope everything works out GOOD LUCK and GOD Bless.

Answer 5

Just make sure that you DO visit the Rec Center and watch what you eat. Most kids gain 15 lbs because they have an all-you-can-eat buffet full of fattening foods at every meal. Just make smart choices and limit your portion sizes and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

If you can cook your own meals, do it. I would avoid the Late Night Snack Bar if your school has one. Also, DO NOT USE SCHOOL CONVENIENCE POINTS TO BUY ANYTHING (food or otherwise). If you pay for snacks in cold hard cash, you will be less prone to impulsive eating. Also, if you're going to get high with friends, prepare a low-calorie vegetarian snack BEFOREHAND. You think it's hard trying to resist those Hostess cupcakes now? You will be ten-times the ravenous pig if you get blazed! One more thing: they probably have soda in the dining halls. Drink water instead.

Answer 7

it could or could not be true. if you are at ur ideal weight now, dont change your eating habits in college. if you feel that you know you will be gaining weight, then eat more healthier than u used to, work out, and STAY AWAY FROM FAST FOOD!! if you day that you won't gain weight, then u probably wont! dont worry about it! have fun and good luck!!!

Answer 8

Workout and don't change your eating habits and you will have nothing to worry about. It is actually a myth they said on the news it is more like 5 pounds. I used to be petite but I got a little hefty because I was not taking care of myself. Take care of yourself and you should be fine.

Answer 9

unfortunately, it's true because in college you get fast food and carryout all the time and you don't have time to hit the gym lots. Just try to eat a variety of foods and if possible exercise.

Answer 10

It's not so much the food as it is 'stress' and a complete change of living. Keep active and you will escape the freshman 15! :)