How To Beat The Freshmen 15

Avoiding The Freshman 15 - Most college students have heard of the Freshmen 15, which is the term used to describe the 10-to-15 pounds college students tend to gain their first semester of school. But the phenomenon isn’t a foregone conclusion. Here's how to avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15.”

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Avoiding The Freshman 15 - Most college students have heard of the Freshmen 15, which is the term used to describe the 10-to-15 pounds college students tend to gain their first semester of school. But the phenomenon isn’t a foregone conclusion. Here's how to avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15.”

Piling It On - You’re on your own, able to eat whatever you want. That doesn’t mean you have to. To keep the off the pounds, avoid second helpings. Don’t pile on the french fries, ice cream and other unhealthy items that might be offered as part of your meal plan.

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Piling It On - You’re on your own, able to eat whatever you want. That doesn’t mean you have to. To keep the off the pounds, avoid second helpings. Don’t pile on the french fries, ice cream and other unhealthy items that might be offered as part of your meal plan.

Photo By Photographer © Greg Elms / LPI

Sneaky Snacks - Avoid sugary and salty snacks when looking to fuel up your late-night study sessions, particularly if you’re stressed. The calories can add up when you're mindlessly and continuously putting food in your mouth.

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Sneaky Snacks - Avoid sugary and salty snacks when looking to fuel up your late-night study sessions, particularly if you’re stressed. The calories can add up when you're mindlessly and continuously putting food in your mouth.

Healthy Snacks - Keep on hand healthy snack options, like air-popped popcorn, grapes, celery, peanut butter, bread sticks or yogurt – instead of chips, pretzels, cheese twists and other prepared foods.

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Healthy Snacks - Keep on hand healthy snack options, like air-popped popcorn, grapes, celery, peanut butter, bread sticks or yogurt – instead of chips, pretzels, cheese twists and other prepared foods.

Drink Healthier - Drink more water and low-fat milk instead of soda.

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Drink Healthier - Drink more water and low-fat milk instead of soda.

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Get Yout Calcium - Your bones are still growing, so you’ll need calcium-rich foods like okra, Soybeans (edamame), yogurt, milk, spinach and collard greens.

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Get Yout Calcium - Your bones are still growing, so you’ll need calcium-rich foods like okra, Soybeans (edamame), yogurt, milk, spinach and collard greens.

Exercise! - Who has the time? You do. Walking or biking to class. Getting at least 10 minutes of in-room calisthenics in the morning or during a study break, or take a dance break to get moving. You’ll also need weight-bearing exercises to keep your bones strong and the fat off.

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Exercise! - Who has the time? You do. Walking or biking to class. Getting at least 10 minutes of in-room calisthenics in the morning or during a study break, or take a dance break to get moving. You’ll also need weight-bearing exercises to keep your bones strong and the fat off.

Do Eat Regularly - Don’t skip meals. Eat regularly and watch your portion sizes. Sticking to a normal meal schedule keeps your metabolism working properly.

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Do Eat Regularly - Don’t skip meals. Eat regularly and watch your portion sizes. Sticking to a normal meal schedule keeps your metabolism working properly.

Fast food be gone! - Fast foods are not your friend. Stay away, if you can, or, at the very least, keep fast foods at a minimum. Most are full of bad fats that can lead to weight gain.

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Fast food be gone! - Fast foods are not your friend. Stay away, if you can, or, at the very least, keep fast foods at a minimum. Most are full of bad fats that can lead to weight gain.

Get Your Beauty Sleep - That's right. You need your rest. Recent studies show sleep is an important part of weight control. So, put sleep into your day planner and get your rest.

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Get Your Beauty Sleep - That's right. You need your rest. Recent studies show sleep is an important part of weight control. So, put sleep into your day planner and get your rest.

Don't Forget What Your Moma Said... - Don't forget the good habits that your moma taught you. They don't have to go out of the window just cause you're grown up. Remember them and you're well on your way to avoiding the Fresmen 15.

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Don't Forget What Your Moma Said... - Don't forget the good habits that your moma taught you. They don't have to go out of the window just cause you're grown up. Remember them and you're well on your way to avoiding the Fresmen 15.