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a frozen yogurt tastes just as good to you as a Frosty, go for the frozen yogurt.

HUNGER V. EMOTIONS

Sometimes, why you're eating is as important as what you're eating. We eat for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with hunger. We may eat because we're sad, bored, or want something to chew on. Eating is a social activity. We go on dates and go out to dinner.

Ever finish a meal at a restaurant and see a friend who invites you to join his table? Before you know it you're having a second meal or dessert. The same thing happens at Thanksgiving when you have to have a family meal at your parents home, then go to your boyfriend's and do it all over again.

Eating out of boredom or loneliness is also common when you first leave home. That's why mashed potatoes are called "comfort food." They remind you of home and mom and all that you miss. When you find yourself baking a tray of cinnamon rolls because you are bored or lonely, get moving. Go find something to do, preferably with someone else.

Any emotion can trigger eating, and some can lead to eating disorders. Sometimes, controlling what you put into you mouth is the only part of your life you can control. If you find yourself nodding in agreement here, you may need professional help. Call a counseling service and tell someone you think you might have an eating problem.

GET MOVING

Everything about life on your own is different, especially if you were an athlete in high school. You no longer have time for sports, informal or intramural. Your former buddies have gone their own ways and playing tennis or soccer by yourself just doesn't work. The only regular exercise you get now is walking across campus or up the stairs to your apartment.

If you find the numbers on the scales inching upward, you need to add some physical activity to your daily routine. It's a simple law of nature. Whatever calories go in must be burned off or they stay there on your hips, rear and stomach.

You don't have to rush out and join a health center, either. Some of the best exercise is available to you free. Walking, running, dancing don't require much more than a pair of good shoes and a spare half-hour a few times a week. When you engage in exercise you realize a bonus other than just burning calories: exercise is great for stress reduction.

A brisk walk, kick boxing, shooting baskets, slamming a racquetball all help with those pesky emotions that may be tempting you to indulge in cookies. Choose any activity that gets your muscles going and your heart rate up. If you can find a partner, so much the better because you'll hold each other accountable for keeping your jogging dates.

Planning ahead to avoid the fast food habit, eating out of hunger rather than emotional eating, and remaining physically active should help you avoid that "freshmen fifteen."

Learn more about this author, Heather Tomasello.
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