Summer is regretfully coming to an end for many college students, and school is right around the corner or may have already begun. With the start of a new school year comes the never ending reading assignments, essays and lectures, but most importantly, FREEDOM! 

Let’s focus on the positive for a second. College life can equate to sleeping in whenever you want, eating as much as possible in the dining hall, staying up late and partying all night. That’s the life. 

However, with all good things there must always be a catch. Living this lifestyle just might earn you a few pounds. Ever heard of the Freshman 15? Gaining one or two pounds may be natural due to a new environment and adjusting to an entirely different lifestyle, but putting on fifteen pounds is a lot!

The Freshman 15 can happen to anybody in college, even upperclassmen. So listen up to these tips to avoid the “Fresher Spread”. 

The dining hall is one of the deadliest allies of those fifteen pounds. Yes, it’s a convenient place to grab a quick bite to eat but also to enjoy a massive binge feast. It doesn’t help that the food served in these cafeterias are often unhealthy, greasy and fatty. 

First order of business: make sure you have control over your calorie intake. Food from the dining hall, snacking, and alcohol consumption can all lead to an incredible amount of weight gain. Don’t overdo it in the dining halls and avoid stocking up your room with unhealthy snacks. 

This may be an obvious tip, but to avoid gaining weight students should definitely be hitting the gym. Regular exercise is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy body. Stay in shape and your physique will love you for it. 

Exercising at the gym and seeking out activities is easier than you think. Many colleges have on-campus facilities that are free for students. On top of that, the closest gym to you probably offers some fun and innovating fitness classes to keep you on your feet. Check out these Zumba and Boot Camp classes offered at 24 Hour Fitness. 

Finally, remember to maintain an active lifestyle. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk and bike to class instead of driving. Small changes like these are sure to help you avoid The Freshman 15. An active lifestyle also means busying yourself with activities and events. You’re sure to eat less out of boredom when you have a busy day.

Now that college is back in session, strive to eat healthy, exercise and be active everyday. Overcome the Freshman 15 challenge. We’d love to hear your Freshman 15 stories and share with us your personal experiences as well as your health goals for this coming year! 

Reach Bo Chan Here for more fitness and health tips.