3Weight gain is a common problem that many college students face while they are away from home. Although it is commonly referred to as the “freshmen fifteen,” it can be a problem for any college student that dorms for the first time. Here are some tips that will benefits anyone interested in how to prevent weight gain at college.
- Start the day out right and eat breakfast. Many college students skip breakfast, ignoring the fact that it is the most essential meal of the day. Even if you only eat a Pop-Tart, muffin or donut, you will be less likely to binge later on. When possible, do try to make healthier choices for breakfast, however. Eating a piece of fruit or a bowl of cereal is a great way to start your day.Avoid eating fast food all of the time. Since fast food offers so much convenience, many college students end up eating it for a good portion of the semester. Pizza, hamburgers and fried chicken will all cause you to gain weight if you eat them frequently. The best thing that you can do to prevent weight gain is only eat fast food in moderation, and make healthier choices when you do eat it.Opt for the meal plan that the college has to offer. This will allow you to eat a certain amount of meals each day in the cafeteria. Depending on the specific choices that your school will have to offer, you may be able to make healthier choices in the cafeteria. Try to visit the salad bar, choose steamed vegetables and avoid French fries whenever possible. This is a great way to force yourself to make healthier choices, as long as the food is edible.Stock up on healthy snacks. If the only snacks that you have in your dorm room are potato chips and chocolate cupcakes, you are going to put on a few pounds. There are many healthy and delicious alternatives that will also help you prevent weight gain. Snack on whole wheat tortilla chips with salsa, graham crackers and vegetables, such as baby carrots and celery sticks.Always try to keep your meals well-balanced whenever possible. Lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables should all play a role in your diet. Incorporating these key components into every single meal may seem difficult or even impossible. Obviously, you will not be able to do it every time that you eat something, but try to do your best.Keep a food journal. You may not even realize how many calories or grams of fat you are taking in daily. Recording what you eat every day will help ensure that you know what’s going into your body. It is also a good idea to write down the types of emotions that you are experiencing when you eat. Food journals are one of the best ways to prevent yourself from gaining weight while at college.
