How I Avoided the Freshman 15: A Quick Guide to a Healthy College Lifestyle

College is an entirely new world. We must learn to successfully navigate ourselves through uncharted territory—even in terms of our diets. We’ve all heard the tales of the “Freshman 15”—ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, one too many games of beer pong and lots and lots of late night snacking…but how realistic are these myths?

Take a breath, incoming freshmen! I’ve come to tell you that while your diet will change in college, gaining the Freshman 15 is NOT an inescapable fate. Gaining the Freshman 15 is not a right of passage, but a path that can easily be avoided—and I am here to tell you how.

Take Advantage of Technology

My first step in dodging the dreaded Freshman 15 was downloading a life-changing app: MyFitnessPal. This free app enables you to track what you eat and drink, record your workouts, and includes healthy recipes and motivational articles to help you maintain your goals. This app is tailored to help all who seek it, by allowing users to chose if they want to maintain, lose, or gain weight. By downloading MyFitnessPal, I was able to manage and monitor the things I was putting in my body—both the good, and the bad.

Make Time for the Gym

Prior to my freshman year, going to the gym was not a priority. I have never been a fitness-buff, so visiting the gym on a daily basis seemed like more of a hassle than anything else. Instead, I took interest in programs my school’s athletic center offered, such as yoga, Zumba and cycling. The ability to attend workout classes that suited my interests enabled me to look forward to exercising (sounds crazy, I know). Be sure to check out your school’s athletic center, as well as the various programs it offers. Set reminders in your phone to motivate you to go to the gym. Learn to love your workouts, not dread them.

DRINK WATER.

Water is meant to be drank—so drink it! This may sound ridiculously obvious, but so many people fail to realize water’s role in a balanced diet. Be sure to always carry a water bottle with you, whether you’re going to class, the gym or the library. Drinking water throughout your day will keep you hydrated and refreshed, and will help you avoid meaningless snacking.

Get Friends Involved

Sharing ideas and pursuing a healthy lifestyle with your friends is the ultimate motivator. Make plans with your roomie or bffs to hit the gym together, or to sit down for a healthy lunch! Share healthy snack recipes, or challenge each other with fun workouts! By reaching for the same goals, you and your friends can keep yourselves on the right track.