How To Avoid The Freshman 15 Weight Gain At College

As college dormitories are filling up all over the country, many new college freshmen are facing the dreaded 'Freshman 15.' This refers to the 15 or so pounds that many new college students pack on once school starts. Although this is a common problem, it doesn't have to happen to you. By following common sense tips such as eating well, exercising and using some of the best weight loss products, you can avoid the weight gain even as you go off to college.

Watch Out For Cafeteria Food And Late Night Pizza Parties

College marks new independence for many students. They're living on their own, doing their own laundry and either cooking their own meals or depending on a dormitory cafeteria for their food. Students who are living off campus and cooking for themselves often turn to quick, easy and unhealthy food choices due to a lack of time and energy. Items include frozen pizza, drive through fast food and practically anything that can be cooked in a microwave in less than five minutes.

Students who live on campus are faced with cafeteria food day after day. Because cafeteria food is designed to be inexpensive and quick to prepare, it's usually lacking in nutrition. Cafeteria standbys include hamburgers and French fries, heavy casseroles and other cheese-laden foods. Most cafeterias do have a 'healthy' salad bar, but most of the toppings and salad dressings are packed full of fat and calories.

Another culprit of weight gain is the late night pizza parties that seem to happen nearly every night and feature binge drinking. Both of these activities can add hidden calories to an otherwise healthy diet.

However, it is easy to stay within healthy eating guidelines. In the cafeteria, avoid creamy salad dressings and stick to a light or fat free variety. Pizza and beer can also fit into your diet - just choose a thin crust pizza with a light sprinkling of cheese and a reduced calorie beer. Be careful not to drink too much since impaired judgment can lead to increased calorie intake.

Take Advantage Of The Campus Health Center

Many colleges have some of the best health and fitness centers around. Many students believe these large centers are just for the college athletes, but that's rarely true. Student fees paid by everyone help support these state of the art gyms, meaning they're open to everyone.

If you've never been to a gym and are intimidated to start going by yourself, set up a workout group with some new friends from your dorm. Having friends to go with will keep you motivated and you're less likely to skip a day if you know someone else is counting on you to go.

Many colleges also offer fitness classes such as spinning, yoga, Pilates and step aerobics if you find you need more structure to get the most out of your weight loss. Some colleges even have a gym requirement so taking a fitness class can actually put you a step closer towards your degree, as well as being great for your health.

Choose The Best Weight Loss Products

Along with eating right and exercising, consider finding the best weight loss products to help keep the pounds off. Some of the best weight loss products are made from all natural ingredients.

The best weight loss products are designed to suppress your appetite and delay gastric emptying without causing discomfort. This helps you feel fuller longer, eliminating the desire to eat because you're not hungry. They also work by increasing your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories than you would without the supplement.

Some of the best weight loss products even help lower cholesterol and increase the level of HDL, or good cholesterol in the blood. Add in proper diet and exercise and you may just go home for Christmas as a healthier version of yourself.

If you've already gained a little weight in your first few weeks of school, don't worry. It's possible to reverse the progress of the Freshman 15 with the best weight loss products. Some of the most effective products can help users lose weight, as well as help keep the pounds off in the first place.

The Freshman 15 doesn't have to happen to you, especially if you take measures to avoid it. Staying away from high calorie fatty, fried foods like pizza, cheeseburgers and beer, spending time in the campus health and fitness center and taking advantage of some of the best weight loss products on the market are all things you can do to help you keep the dreaded extra pounds far, far away.