The good news is that Boston researchers have shown that the new generation of college freshman are only gaining between seven to ten pounds average rather than the 15 pounds of weight that had become the average. Research shows that the increase continues through the second and third years if not corrected.
Why the first year weight gain?
The first reason is obviously bad eating habits. A student leaves home and heads out to a new city or a college campus. For the first time, each new adult is responsible for his or her own meals. Dormitories traditionally have high fat, high carb choices like hamburgers and fries, fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy.
Many college campuses have implemented better and healthier choices for students in the past ten years or so, but making healthy choices is left to the individual. Beware the salad bar! Keep the high fat salad dressing to a minimum and avoid excessive cheese, bacon bits, and croutons. Make it a rule to only eat until you are full.
Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is one of the best ways to put on weight your first year. As anyone who ever had a big drinking binge knows, you crave fatty foods both while you are drinking and the next day when you have a hangover. This is the double whammy. Add on to that “the fourth meal” that commonly is taken at a nasty diner after the bars close and you have a recipe for disaster. And ask yourself this: Am I more likely to exercise with a hangover?
Find the Gym
Nearly all college campuses have a gym. Meeting people who do the sports or activities of similar interest is the first step. Universities and colleges have team sports, intercollegiate competition, and classes for credits. Many campuses have beautiful grounds which make great opportunities to walk rather than drive to classes and local business. Exercise is the best way to process information gathered during lectures. The best ideas frequently manifest during physical activity.
Learn to Handle Stress
The last big reason for the first year weight gain is simply stress. Some other ways to handle the stress are: Keep hydrated (drink a lot of water), stay away from caffeine, alcohol, sugar and nicotine as much as possible. Fresh fruits and vegetables help combat constipation and dehydration - both of which make you groggy and tired.
Bottom Line
Keeping the weight off during the first year of college is a challenge. Choose fresh. lowfat foods when possible, keep an exercise regime, and avoid alcohol . Find like-minded friends and avoid stress by eliminating stimulants and reducing anxiety by maintaining moderation.
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