by Joan Inong

Created on: May 01, 2009

If you are just starting college, you are probably going to be worried about many things. Though weight gain may be the least of your problems, body image does contribute to your sense of well-being and your self-esteem and confidence, which all may help you through the tough times ahead. But, set those worries aside. The following tips will show you how you can keep fit and healthy on campus and avoid gaining weight.

First, try to maintain a healthy diet. Diet does not necessarily mean that you have to count calories every time you have a meal. For a college student, this can be a time-consuming task. And, most of the time, it is useless. You don't want to keep counting calories for the rest of your life.

Create a diet that does not restrict you. In other words, base your diet on moderation. College students who live on campus and have to eat dining hall food will not have anyone to tell them, "Eat your vegetables." Therefore, they have to make their own choices when it comes to what they put in their mouths. Moderation does not require any calorie-counting, but it does require that you know how to portion your meals correctly.

In order to portion your meals right, make a fist. The size of that fist is the size of each meal that you should have each day. However, according to your needs, you may eat four meals a day or even six meals a day. Remember, though, that if you eat more than three meals a day, they should all be small meals eaten every three or four hours. If you eat three meals a day, the lunch meal is usually the largest.

Next, try to see if there is a gym on campus. Depending on your school's regulations, you may be able to get in for free as a student. If you do not have a gym on campus, you can make a little gym at home. Purchase an ab roller or a jumping rope or put up a punching bag. Do stretches every morning or every night or both. Make time every day for exercises for at least thirty minutes a day. You will notice that your stress level will also decrease.

If your neighborhood is scenic, take a jog every morning (as long as the weather permits, of course). Take a friend along to make the jog seem shorter. Bring your music with you.

It may seem that you have to spend too much time trying to avoid gaining weight or keeping fit. But remember that thirty minutes a day and eating in moderation is as difficult as you make it. If you think that it's difficult and you don't like it, then you won't have a happy experience with it. But, if you are open-minded and are focused on goals, then you will adapt easily. College is already stressful. Why make your diet or exercise regimen more difficult than it needs to be?

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.