If your about off to college, you've probably heard the famous advice, "Don't gain that freshman 15!" You shrug it off, and proclaim it won't happen to you. Most kids say that though, and most are very wrong. I myself avoided the freshman 15, but instead gained the freshman 20. Here are a few tips, from my experience, to keep it off.

1) AVOID ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

All around the campus there is going to be temptation. When I went to school, the dining halls had an all-you-can-eat buffet, with fattening foods. Also, living in a small dorm room, we were limited to what we could cook for ourselves. On my campus, and I'm assuming on many others, there were also little cafes, convenience stores, and vending machines filled with snacks and candy. Dining plans also come with the convenience of living on campus and/or being a student. In some situations this can be helpful, but in others, it might just be smarter to buy groceries on your own.

a. Don't get a huge meal plan. You won't eat on campus as much as you think so not only is it a waste of money, but it persuades you to eat there more than you really want. You will feel like you should eat in the buffet line, because it's already paid for. Don't give up your money, or your waistline.

b. Whether in a dorm room or apartment, keep your own fridge full of healthy snacks and foods. Buy some quick foods too! Too many times have I used the excuse, 'We're out of so-and-so...lets just go downstairs to eat.' (By downstairs I meant the buffet-styled dining hall). By living in a dorm room, and constantly thinking about grades and your social life, your not going to want to spend a lot of time preparing a meal. Sometimes just making easy-mac was too much time to spare! Some good ideas are things like snack crackers, peanut butter & jelly, and some of the more difficult meals for college: easy-mac and ramen noodles. I found that quick serve meals like Lean Cuisine and Jenny Craig were healthy, quick options to eat as well.

c. Keep the late night pizzas and Chinese takeout to a minimum. It will happen, whether your out with your friends or finishing up a huge project, you're going to eat an entire pizza by yourself and 3am. It's just apart of the college life. Just don't do it too much!

d. Along with gaining weight by snacking all the time, I also found I had three cavities when returning home the next summer. Luckily my dentist understood, sharing that she too loved to snack while studying, back when she was in school. Avoid snacking too much when watching TV, studying, or anytime else when you won't be paying attention. Choose water or a diet soda to mindlessly sip on instead.

2) BEWARE OF ALCOHOL
Ok, so it's college...you're going to have fun. However, it is one of the leading factors in weight gain, especially the first year of school.

a. Don't drink every weekend. Not only can it affect your weight, but it can lower your grades and cause some nasty side effects like depression. These symptoms come with regular consumption of alcohol, which can happen to a lot of people coming to college for the first time. I'm not saying you can't have fun your first year, just know your limits and don't let it affect you long-term.

3) ADVANTAGE OF EXERCISE FACILITIES
Most colleges have fitness centers for its students for free. Take advantage of this!

a. Exercise as a weekly routine, or when your stressed from school. Exercising can increase your grades and well-being.

b. If you don't have time to hit the gym, try walking to class. A weekly regiment of exercise, no matter what form will be helpful.

Hang in there, and avoid those extra pounds!

Learn more about this author, Brenna Mae.
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