Freshman Fifteen: What it is and How to Prevent it
While it is been proven that some college freshman will gain weight, the freshman fifteen is still considered a theory or a myth. Regardless of whether or not you believe in it, there are a number of things that you can do to prevent yourself from gaining too much extra weight in college.
One of the most common reasons why a college student gains weight is because of their eating habits. With take out food and cafeteria food there are not a lot of healthy and nutritious meal options for many students. Even if a college student does not eat more than they normally do, the change from healthy foods to non-healthy foods can cause a weight gain.
In addition to eating less healthy foods it is also likely that food consumption has increased. There are many students who eat a late night snack when they are up all night studying or doing homework. It is advised that you stop eating at least two to three hours before you go to bed. This allows food to be properly processed and it allows time for it to be worked off.
Another way to make sure that you do not gain the famous freshman fifteen is to stay active. There are many high school athletes who do not end up playing college sports. This decrease in activity could cause weight gain. Even if you were not athlete in high school you are still encouraged to stay active. With thousands of students on a college campus it is highly likely that you could find someone who wants to toss a ball around on the school lawn or even go for daily walks.
Perhaps the best way to avoid the freshman fifteen is to know that it exists. If you are aware all of the foods you eat and the affects they have on your body you are better able to control the situation. Going to college is a big step for many individuals, but it is often a life changing experience. Simply being aware of your surroundings is the best way to stay healthy and fit while entering the next phase of your life.
