Partying all week, two a.m. food runs, hanging with friends, late nights at the library, absolute freedom… AKA all the great things associated with college. It really is all fun and games until you realize that the classic college lifestyle is making you gain weight. Everyone always jokes about the freshman 15, but is it actually a thing and is it happening to you?
According to Dr. Elizabeth Money, a dietician on campus, the freshman 15 is a myth. However, she calls it the “college 24,” where students gain about six pounds each year. This weight mainly comes from mindless eating like snacking while on the phone, watching TV, or driving, and munching after a night out drinking. It’s important to know that our bodies do not metabolize alcohol the same way we metabolize food… say what?! The extra calories from drinks students think causes them to gain weight is not where the weight is coming from at all. It’s really because of the food eaten after drinking, which is about 800 to 1000 calories extra per week. Check out these tips to fight the “College 24.”
1. Eat BEFORE you party.
Because we metabolize alcohol differently than food, it’s important to eat before a night out. Eating a meal before leaving the apartment leads to fewer blackouts and less late night eating.
2. Pay attention to what you’re eating and when you’re full.
In general, Americans overeat at just about every meal, instead of stopping when they feel full. This causes a net gain of about two to three pounds each year. To combat this, pay attention to when you feel full. Dr. Money says it’s okay to eat the fries or ice cream, but don’t eat the whole thing. Instead, stop when your hunger is satisfied.
3. Strive for 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week.
This doesn’t just have to be at the gym or on a run around campus! Start walking to class more and taking the shuttle less. Track how many steps you and your friends take every day… make it a competition!
4. Visit Campus Wellness
Visiting a nutritionist can cost up to $100 per session, but appointments at USC are free! Dieticians help students reach healthy eating goals and teach them strategies to achieve those goals by making behavioral changes. The dieticians also improve health on campus by pairing with Sodexo to teach nutrition classes, cooking demos, and health strategies to students on campus through organizations such as sororities or fraternities. Check out USC’s health service on social media for more info here.
*If you or someone you know is suffering or may be suffering from an eating disorder, contact the health center right away. About half of the dieticians’ patients have eating disorders and these doctors help to create healthier behavior.