How to Lose Weight in College
(425 Words)
The “freshman 15” is the term given to the 15 pounds college freshman seem to gain during their first year of college. A number of factors contribute to weight gain in freshmen including eating unhealthy meals and less exercise. Students can take a number of steps to lose these pounds.
Eat healthy
Many freshmen are accustomed to living at home, where their parents policed what they ate. Suddenly they make all of their own choices, and they are not always good ones. With no one looking over his or her shoulder, a student may eat five candy bars or an entire pizza in one sitting. Of course doing this is generally going to result in weight gain.
Students need to consider how they are eating. Sweets and junk food are okay in moderation, but you should not eat whatever you want just because no one is watching. Oftentimes just scaling back the junk food will make the largest difference in weight.
Cook
Students may gain weight because they go from healthy, well-balanced, home-cooked meals to fast food, pizza takeout and to-go meals. Generally it is much easier to eat healthy if you cook yourself then if you get food from a restaurant. Most dorms have communal kitchens for student use, and many students are in apartments where they have access to kitchens. If you do have to eat out, choose healthier foods. A lot of restaurants now have a healthy eating section on their menus.
Get exercise
College campuses typically offer many places where one can exercise. You may be able to run on the track, for instance. Oftentimes they have extensive gyms available to students. They may have different sports clubs or groups that are not competitive but offer a fun way to get exercise. You might be able to swim in the pool. Choose activities that will keep your attention.
Be more active
Just generally increasing your activity level may help you lose those extra pounds. You may be able to walk more instead of driving your car. Instead of sitting in your dorm playing video games, get out and be active. The more you do, the more calories you will burn.
It is important to lose weight in a healthy way. Young adults are prone to eating disorders, so you do not want to go on a crash diet that is unhealthy or unsustainable. You should eat healthy and in moderation, get plenty of exercise and be generally active. With these measures you can start to chisel away at the “freshman 15.”