Staying fit freshman year
By: Kenzi Weidman
Leaving home and starting college is never an easy thing to do, especially when it comes to making healthy choices all on your own. I grew up in a household where healthy food was the only thing in the fridge. It was perfect because not only was it easily accessible, but I also didn’t have to pay for it myself. Coming to school and seeing the all-you-can-eat buffets, unlimited desserts, and the ability to eat on my meal plan until 2AM definitely was tempting.
Then there is that phrase “freshman 15”. No one wants that, especially if that 15 pounds continues to add on every year in school. Here are some tips that might help you in college with maintaining your current body during you first year away from home:
Tip #1: You don’t have to “do lunch” everyday. Planning a “lunch date” with your friends sometimes causes you to over eat and not think about what you’re eating. It is totally ok to splurge once in awhile and have that greasy cheeseburger and french fries that your meal plan offers; you need to feed your cravings once in awhile. A way that I turn that burger into a healthier option would be veggies veggies veggies! Add lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and onions, even cucumbers if they’re available. Not only will these veggies fill you up along the way, but also they give your meal more flavors and healthy nutrients your body needs.
Tip #2: Take advantage of the healthy options, like that unlimited salad bar. It’s not every day you can have any vegetable on your salad, or pick from any dressing you can think of. All the fruit there is too offer…GRAB IT! Fruit, whole grains, meats, and all the other healthy options you can get…take advantage of it because it is expensive to buy on your own.
Tip #3: When there is a fitness center on campus, buy a membership. Especially when it is in the basement of your res hall! Treadmill, bike, elliptical, weight benches, or whatever you like…use it. Not only will it help keep you healthy, but it can also help you keep stress levels under control.
Tip #4: Walk or bike to class. Don’t take the easy way out and think that driving your car or hitching a ride with a friend is better. Most of the time, where you have to park your car is further than if you would have just walked in the first place.
Tip #5: Try your hardest to not eat after every “night out.” Eating after 9PM is one of the worst things you could do. It’s tempting though, right!? Try limiting it to once or twice a week! After all, do you really need it? Did you need it before?
Tip #6: Make sure you participate in at least 1 intramural sport. They are a fun way to be active and still have fun and hang out with your friends.
Tip #7: Educate yourself. Take a nutrition class as an elective. I guarantee it will be one of the most informational, beneficial classes you can take here. Professor Ann Garvin will blow your mind!
There are so many easy, little choices you can make that will help you combat the ‘Freshman 15’. If you have any other tips to help live a healthy lifestyle on campus, please comment and share your knowledge with others. It is always great to hear what other people do to stay healthy on campus!
“Always remember that it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you keep on going.”
-Kenzi Weidman