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Many of you are starting or going back to college. While this can be a time of stress, anxiety, fun, and partying, many people tend to gain the “Freshman 15” as a result of too much food and not enough exercise. Here are a few tips for avoiding weight gain this school year: 1) FILL UP ON VEGGIES-Most dining halls/ on-campus eateries offer fresh salad, cooked veggies, or a combo. Fill half of your plate with the green stuff and 25 percent with a piece of grilled chicken, turkey, fish, or a burger without the bun from the grill. The remaining 25 percent of your plate should be filled with a whole grain such as steamed brown rice, whole-wheat bread, etc (no white stuff!) Opt for fresh fruit for dessert or grab a couple pieces to bring back to your dorm room. 2) AVOID PEER PRESSURE TO PIG OUT-When the rest of you study group or clique want to head down for pizza, Chinese or fried chicken, watch your portion sizes. Also add a salad with your meal (eat the salad first to fill up), 3) LIQUID CALORIES COUNT- Calories in regular soda, alcohol, sport drinks, etc, add up quickly! This is a big reason college students gain weight the first year. Also, not only does alcohol contain a lot of calories, but it lowers one's will-power and sound judgment causing people also make poor food choices when they're under the influence. Try alternating with water and diet soda or teas and avoid alcohol whenever possible. 4) DON'T EAT AND STUDY- It is very easy to overeat when your attention is focused on your math homework instead of your diet. Keep the chips away when studying or doing assignments. Pulling an all-nighter? Try chewing gum or drinking diet sodas or coffee for some caffeine. If you still feel the need to nibble when you’re stressed, stick to single-serving packs and EAT ONLY ONE. 5) De-JUNK YOUR DORM-Instead of junk food and sweets, stock your dorm with lowfat, yogurt, fruit/veggies, and high, fiber, low sugar granola bars. 6) EXERCISE- Most campuses have on-site gyms which offer student discounts. Grab a workout buddy to keep you motivated. Or, if you're not the gym type, find other ways the burn calories like taking the stairs, going for walks/jogs, hiking, bike-riding, playing sports, etc.
Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=search&w=1&txt=study&p=6
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