Convenience stores, take-out food, and those pesky vending machines are all silent culprits in gaining the dreaded “freshman 15”. Check out these useful tips to keep yourself better prepared to ward off the extra weight.
“I met my boyfriend my freshman year in college. We used to eat Chinese food and watch movies almost every night. Although it was fun, I gained a lot of weight by giving up my exercise time to spend with him. I haven’t given up my movie nights with him, but I now wake up extra early in the morning for the gym ( time that I wouldn’t be spending with him anyway!) and whenever we watch movies I use my exercise bands to work my arm and leg muscles instead of just sitting still. I even got him using them too!”
– Larissa, Ohio State University, 08’
“Forget freshman 15 I gained 25!! I was so upset and I got so depressed over gaining the first five, that I never saw the next 20 coming! I let stress get the best of me. I tried diet pills and fad diets but my body would not shed those pounds. My friend suggested that I take a Pilates class with her (I got school credit for it!!) to help me forget about my weight. Not only did it help with stress, but my body is firmer and I drop ten pounds that semester. Keeping my mind busy and my body relaxed made it easier for me to stop obsessing and start losing the weight!”
- Shannon, Stockton College, 08’
(Tip continues below)
“In high school I ran track and played soccer, so I was always in pretty good shape. When I got to college last year I decided to take year off from sports to focus on school work. A great way to get more focused but also a great way to get fat! I never thought my body could gain weight like it did after my first semester! I finally decided to make a collage of pictures and quotes that inspire me to lose weight and I hung it over my closet. Every time I look at it I put down the candy and do some crunches. Hopefully the collage will continue to work until I start my sports again!”
- Meaghan, Louisiana State University08’
“I only eat junk food in threes! If there are chips I eat three, if there is pizza I have three bites and if my roommate makes chocolate chip cookies ( they are so good!!) then I take one cookie and split it in three ( this makes me feel like I am eating more!) Try it, it works like a charm!”
- Joanna, Boston College 07’
“My first week at college, I got menus from all the different take-out restaurants near my school. I than sat down and picked out the top three healthiest things on each menu and circled them with a big red marketer. That way when I get take out, my eyes go right toward the healthy stuff instead of the fried, greasy food!”
- Mallory, University of Chicago 08’
“I was a freshman last year and I had late night study session every week! Instead of snacking on fatty food, I brought tootsie pops for everyone. They are an inexpensive, low calorie treat that lasts a lot longer than a slice of pizza!”
- Jen, Scranton University, 09’
“I gained six pounds my second semester in college by drinking sugary fruit juice from the cafeteria! I was on a diet and eating really healthy but I never thought about what I was drinking. This year I carry Crystal Light “On the Go” packets. You only have to add water for a great fruit juice alternative!”
- Rachel, Washington University, 09’
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