Weight gain is one of incoming college students’ biggest nightmares. Freshman year entails a whole new life that takes getting used to. You will be staying up longer (thus having late-night cravings), you will be busy finding organizations that fit your niche, and you will be spending a vast amount of time studying. I have often asked myself, “Where does the time go?” While immersed in such a busy lifestyle and experiencing the freedom of being on your own, you inevitably become threatened by the freshman fifteen.
DISCLAIMER: Please don’t sacrifice your health on this issue. You do not want to aim to be model thin because, ladies, let’s face it– that is NOT the norm. But if you are not completely happy with how those Wawa donuts are clinging to your thighs then it is quite simple. Here are three ways to help you maintain or lose weight at college:
1. Commit to be fit. Exercise is essential for warding off unwanted pudge.
- If you are a big sports fan, join an Intramural sports team or even a club team.
- If you’re not a big “sports girl” then try a class at the Rec– Cardio Dance, Zumba, and Body Pump are my favorites. If you are looking for a toning class that will ease your stress, try Yoga or Pilates.
- If, however, you are a hardcore gym junkie, then try out all of the great machines at the Rec. Plus, there are always cute athletes and studly frat boys at the gym, so who knows, you might even get more than you bargain for.
- Lastly, if you are you more of a runner or power-walker, you can take advantage of the gorgeous Colonial Williamsburg. I always love a late night run down Dog Street when it’s cool outside.
- Now, how much exercise do you need? According to AOL Health, in order to maintain your weight, you should be active for 150 to 250 hours per week. Don’t fret! This can be spread out throughout the week to fit with your schedule.
2. Eat wise, drop a size. It’s amazing how easy it is to wolf down those warm cookies from the Caf—a weight-loss killer. Here are two things to keep in mind when it comes to food.
- First, choose healthier options (i.e. the salad bar, fruit, and soups) over the desserts.
- Second, watch your portions. If you eat two plates of salad, an apple, an orange, and two slices of pizza, although it may seem healthy, the calories really add up. If it is hard to restrain yourself from going back for seconds [or fifths], stick to the Marketplace for controlled portions of great food like wraps and sandwiches. If you use your Flex dollars for Chick-fil-A or Dominos, opt for a grilled chicken sandwich or a veggie pizza. Just be as smart of an eater as you are a student.
3. Blame it on the a a a a a a alcohol! Alcohol is the biggest contributer to the freshman fifteen. Note: I am not endorsing drinking in this last tip, especially if you’re underage. And if you are not interested in drinking alcohol—you can still have a social life!
- There are plenty of fun, alcohol-free events on campus and around Williamsburg. AMP (Alma Mater Productions) always has great events planned on campus, and you always shop, dine, or see a movie in New Town.
- For those of you who are more interested in the party scene, alcohol can really backstab you if you aren’t careful. Why? There are 3,500 calories in a pound. You may be thinking that it is hard to gain a pound especially when you eat the normal 2,000 calories a day. Alcohol, however, counts as empty calories since it lacks nutritional value and is stored rather than burned. Drunken late night food-cravings add up, too.
- Let me walk you through a night out: A drink containing 2 ounces of vodka and one can of red bull is about 250 calories. If you have 4 cups, that is already 1,000 calories. Then, if you hit up Wawa, the all night hot spot, for a sandwich, there goes the other 500 calories. Bam, you have already gained a pound! Do this every weekend for a semester, and the weight-gain will suddenly hit you like a tub of Crisco.
- Still not convinced? Here’s a shocker– plenty of my friends have dropped 5 to 20 pounds over the summerjust from not drinking! Enough said.
The greatest thing to keep in mind is that you are not defined by your weight. If you gain a couple pounds, don’t sweat it. Just get a handle on your health before 5 lbs becomes 25 lbs. Soon enough, the dreaded freshman fifteen will be the least of your worries.