Starting university can be very overwhelming.  You’re faced with new friends, new classes, new dorm room, and the dreaded “Freshman 15.” Many students find themselves gaining weight in their first year away from home for many reasons.  The challenge of new classes, peer pressure from friends or roommates, and no access to cooking facilities can lead to unwanted weight gain during the school year.  Here are 3 tips to try and avoid gaining that ominous freshman 15.

Eat all the colours of the rainbow. 

Filling your plate with vegetables and fruits of all different colours will help you get the variety of vitamins and minerals that you need every day. Doing this will also improve your fiber intake, which can reduce uncomfortable bloating. 

Move as much as possible.  

Walk to class instead of driving. Join an intramural league for your favourite sport.  Visit your school’s fitness centre.  Exercise will help you maintain your weight, reduce your stress, and improve your sleep. If you’re strapped for time, just 15-20 minutes a day can have an amazing effect on your total health!

Go easy on the alcohol. 

It is a fact of life that there is alcohol present at university parties. The average can of beer has 126 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates.  By switching up every other drink for juice or water you can save yourself almost a meal’s worth of calories and sugar, not to mention you’ll feel much better in the morning!

University can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right mindset, and a healthy diet and exercise plan, you can finish up your 4 years in better health than you started! Good luck!

Sarah Walker