Stay Healthy in College and Beat the "Freshman 15"

We've all heard of the dreaded "freshman 15". And some of us have experienced it. But the truth is that no two college experiences are the same, and that includes experiences with weight. Some gain weight, some loose weight, and some stay the same. And it's important to remember that weight isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to health.

It can be really tough to try to get healthy while dealing with school and trying to have a social life. Some times health is put on the back-burner, but I've got some easy tips to help you make simple changes.


#1. Exercising Can Be Fun... Kinda

Some lucky people love working out, for the rest of us it can feel like torture. Make it a little more bearable by listening to music or recorded lectures to distract yourself. I like exercise videos because they force me to work my whole body and they're not monotonous like the treadmill. (but if you aren't on the ground floor of your building, you might be more comfortable at the gym rather than wondering what your neighbors will think of your loud noises).

You can get workout videos for cheap at Ross, the Grocery Outlet, and even the Dollar Store. Or, you can head over to YouTube right now! I recommend this 10 minute workout from two cute British guys, or this video in which they appear shirtless.






#2. Keep Healthy Foods Close

If you don't have junk food in your room or apartment you can't eat it (or you have to walk to the cafeteria to get some, which at least requires a little effort). Fruits are great if you don't have a fridge. I'm on a partial meal plan, so I always have broccoli and carrots because they are super versatile. I also keep bananas and Greek yogurt stocked up for breakfast. I don't really like them, but they're super easy and healthy alternatives to sugary cereal and buttery toast.


3. Fill Your Fridge with Water

I love soda more than any one I know (team Pepsi!), but I don't keep it in my apartment because I would just drink it all the time. Whether your addiction is soda, coffee, or sports drinks, don't temp yourself. You can still treat yourself every once in a while, but just buy one at a time.

I also recommend a water pitcher with (or without) a filter so that you won't be buying bottled water all the time. I took the filter out of mine because I was too cheap to replace it, but it's still great for keeping water cold.


4. Stay Positive

Hating on your body isn't going to do you or anyone else any good. Everyone is beautiful in some ways and flawed in some ways, we just tend to see our own flaws more than everyone else's. If you have a bad day, or week, brush it off and start fresh.

As a college student everyone around you will be saying that you have it easy, that the real challenge will start when you graduate. And that's true to an extent, but college brings its own challenges. And whether you like it or not, you're still growing up and learning how to live. That takes effort too. Don't worry if it takes you a while to get everything under control You may never get everything under control, but do your best and try to find a balanced approach. Obsessing over your body, or even your grades, is not the way to go. Balance and moderation are key for a healthier life

 I think my fridge could use a bit more balance! What in your life needs more balance? Do you have any more tips for staying healthy in college? Comment below and let me know, or suggest a future post! Thanks for reading!