15 ways to avoid the freshman 15
We all hear about it. We all tell ourselves, "It won't happen to me!" Yet, only those who either are gifted with a high metabolism or follow the tips below will inevitably thwart the dreaded Freshman 15. (HINT: These tips can be applied for those stuck in desk jobs as well!)
- Don't drastically change your diet. It's easy to go from decently healthy home meals to fast food, delivery and frozen dinners. If you're in a rush, opt for something healthy as well as quick. E.g. If ordering Chinese delivery, go with steamed chicken and broccoli with brown rice rather than the sauce-drenched, deep-fried sesame chicken with starchy white rice.
- Keep or develop a workout plan. When a new schedule (class, job, etc.) comes into the picture, it's easy to skip a workout here and there, or think to yourself, "I don't have time." In truth, if you simply integrate a quick workout into your routine (e.g. a 20-minute jog every morning), you automatically set yourself up to continuing a healthy lifestyle conducive with all the other stuff on your calendar.
- Keep a power bar or healthy snacks on hand. Instead of having to make do with all the packets of crackers, chips, candy, etc. in most snack bars, you can have an apple or meal replacement bar to keep your cravings at bay and your blood sugar balanced.
- Stay generally active! When someone asks if you want to play ultimate frisbee in the quad, take them up on the offer! Even if you can't play, you'll at least get outside a bit and socialize. Talking burns calories, too!
- Have fun, but don't go overboard. Alcohol is a waste of calories. Also, if/when hungover, your body becomes hypoglycemic, forcing you to crave carbs/sugar to keep your body functioning. Remember: a single light beer averages an extra 100 calories. That's a mile on the treadmill!
- Don't stress out! Cortisol, a hormone released when people are stressed out, bloats up your midsection. So, keep up with your classes rather than waiting until the night before to cram. Your ab flab (or, hopefully, lack thereof) will thank you!
- Take breaks! When you're committing to long study hours or sitting at a desk from 9 to 5, you're truly at your lowest calorie-burning state. Every now and again, get some coffee or water. Stand up and stretch. Do a few push-ups. This also helps out your concentration in the long run, since the best way to study is to do so for an hour, then take a short break, then repeat.
- Be social! As mentioned above, talking burns calories! Interacting with other people in general automatically makes us more active, our bodies less relaxed. Even if opting for a night of video gaming, invite a few friends over and chit-chat or high-five while you blow other people up.
- Free food is great, but don't overstuff! At the beginning of the school year, many clubs and such will hold meetings with free food to entice you to their introductions. Go ahead and partake, but remember that you're not a bear hibernating for winter! This is a time of plenty. Eat what you want, but don't feel pressured to scarf as much as you can just because you aren't paying for it. At the very least, eat a little, then grab what you can to take back to the dorm for later.
- Beware of those lattes! Granted, we're a nation of brewheads. However, opt for an espresso or coffee instead of a frozen vanilla caramel mochaccino with whipped cream. You could be saving yourself as many as 500 calories! If you *must* have flavor to bear coffee, ask for sugarfree versions. A single flavor shot can have as much as 80 calories!
- When taking necessary breaks, don't take unnecessary snacks! A cookie here, a handful of M&Ms there out of sheer boredom will add up fast. If you're not truly craving it, there's no need for it. If you find yourself wandering over the the fridge simply because you want a temporary distraction, get online and surf the Internet instead. Or go down the hall (or to the next cubicle) and visit with a friend for a minute.
- Don't be afraid of naps. You actually burn more calories sleeping than you do slumped watching the TV. If you're feeling rundown, take a catnap (recommended time is 20 minutes). You might feel energized afterward for a workout, a night out with friends or more studying. This can also help with stress (see #6).
- Minimize late night snacking. If you know you're going to sleep in the next hour or so, forego the urge to order a pizza or make a burrito run.
- Stay hydrated! Many times when we feel hungry, it's actually that we're just dehydrated and craving water. Keep a bottle handy at all times.
- Why ride when you can bike or walk? Get up an extra five minutes early and walk or bike to class rather than riding a car. Actually, often, the latter could be more hasselsome once you consider having to find a nearby parking spot.
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Photo credit: Potapova Valeriya
