by Amy Hite

Created on: November 19, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

The average college student's food pyramid consists of beer and pizza, not exactly the most diverse diet or the healthiest. It's no wonder those famous fifteen pounds everyone insists you gain your freshman year can easily morph into the "senior sixty" by the time you're ready to graduate. Starting a routine of good habits early can combat those unhealthy urges that come with a college lifestyle. Try these tips to avoid packing on the pounds your freshman year and beyond.

1. Eat breakfast.

Have an 8am chemistry lab? Don't fool yourself into thinking you'll get out of bed at 6:30am in order to shower, eat a nutritious breakfast, and walk happily to class. Take a look at your class schedule. On the days you have early classes, realize that you will probably roll out of bed fifteen minutes before class starts and run most of the way there. Stash some protein bars or vitamin-fortified shakes in your room. They'll be easy to consume as you're walking out the door, and you'll still get the boost you need to start your day.

2. Try the dining hall.

Most campuses have at least one dining hall, which consists of buffet style food, and one quick-serve establishment, which consists of fast-food style food. The dining hall can be dangerous if you take the "all-you-can-eat" buffet mantra seriously. However, if you are more picky with your food choices, the options a dining hall provides are wonderful opportunities to eat in a more healthy way. Think of the food pyramid (the real one) and try to pick items that will provide a well-balanced meal.

3. Snack the right way.

Stock up on fast snacks. You won't want to take the time to prepare anything, so keep that in mind. You want things you can grab and go, things that are easy and healthy. Trail mix, granola bars, carrot packs, and yogurt all fit the bill. If you have a healthy alternative snack on hand, you'll be less likely to give in to temptation and munch on your roommate's cheese puffs.

4. Build exercise into your day.

Take advantage of what your campus has to offer in regards to fitness. Many larger colleges have gyms. Plan a time to work out between classes. Even if your campus does not provide a fitness center, there is more than likely one somewhere close to the school location. If you don't particularly like to exercise, build fitness into your day in other ways. Walk to your classes as opposed to driving or riding the bus. Take the stairs instead of the elevator to your business class on the fifth floor. A little exercise goes a long way.

5. Plan to cheat.

Be realistic. You're in college and sometimes you will want to have a few beers or order pizza with your roommates. Don't stress about cheating, just be aware of your choices. If you have pizza and beer on Saturday night, do a little extra exercise on Sunday, or eat a bit healthier the following few days. As long as these items aren't the mainstay of your diet and you remain conscious about what you're eating, you'll be fine.

College is a time for fun, but it's not a time to completely let go of a healthy lifestyle. And it is definitely not a time to develop bad eating habits you will be trying to break for a lifetime. Bottom line? Moderation is key. Remember that motto and you will have no problems maintaining your weight through the ups and downs of your college career.

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