Health Matters

Tackling Your Freshman 15 Blues

By Cameron White

Late nights mixed with a little bit of junk food, along with an awesome party and great booze! These are some of the classic good times of being a freshman. But have you ever considered the consequences of all that? That’s right. I’m talking about the “Freshman 15!”

What is the “Freshman 15”?

It is very common that during the first year of college, most students find themselves picking up major weight. “Freshman 15” usually remains on the body for years; even after college, and are sometimes never lost.

The Cause of the “Freshman 15”:

Ø  Unhealthy Food Choices

o   Greasy and fried foods

§  Burgers

§  Chicken

§  French fries

§  Chips

§  Pizza

§  Chinese carryout

o         Sugary foods/drinks

§  Soda

§  Energy drinks (particularly Red Bull)

§  Candy

§  Ice cream

§  Cookies

Ø  Alcohol

§  beer (particularly)

§  margarita mix

§  wine coolers

Ø  Anxiety

Ø  Lack of exercise

Ø  Inadequate amounts of sleep

How Can You Avoid or Work Off Your “Freshman 15”? 

Ø  Eat/Drink healthy. Try to drink high amounts of caffeine or energy drinks only when absolutely necessary. Cut back on processed food from packages, starches and refined sugars, and caffeine. Moderate your consumption of alcoholic drinks. 

Ø  Control stress. Take a yoga class; try venting to a friend or writing in a personal diary when in hectic social circumstances; complete your homework in small portions at a time; practice relaxing breathing exercises; read a book; listen to music; etc.

Ø  Exercise more frequently. Be sure to get in your daily physical activity. This includes: lengthy walk/jogs around campus, going for a run around the track, taking a swim, rollerblading, playing sports (basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, etc.), and more. Getting in your physical activity at least twice a week should suffice.

Ø  Get the proper amount of sleep/rest. The ideal sleep patterns are almost non-existent during your college career. It is important to take full advantage of your lighter and less busy days to catch up on sleep; or get an extra nap. Also try to refrain from partying too hard back-to-back.

Overall, managing and losing your “Freshman 15” is a battle against a new way of life. You must maintain healthy diet and eating habits; control and lessen your stress, and make sure that you get the proper amount of rest. So, keep these tips in mind during your exciting college life so that you won’t have to graduate in a super-sized gown!