With all of the stress, homesickness and changes that occur when you first start college, you might finding yourself snacking more often, inching closer to the weight gain known as the freshman 15. Here are six techniques to help you avoid it:
Stay active
If you don’t feel like actually going to the gym and crafting a workout for yourself, take advantage of NSU’s fitness classes offered throughout the day by the RecWell staff. This is a great way to plan a workout and be active for at least an hour daily. NSU also offers personal trainers for a reasonable price and you can learn how to properly weight lift and take care of your body. Visit rec.nova.edu to learn more about fitness classes, trainers and wellness specialist rates and events.
Meal preparation is key
Instead of just eating junk food every time you get hungry, take the time to plan your meals. This is a great way to avoid having cravings which will encourage you to reach for unhealthy foods all the time.
Don’t forget the snacks
Instead of buying a treat every time you’re hungry, stock your pantry with healthy foods like fruits, Greek yogurt, protein bars, hummus packs or nuts. Also, have treats ready to go with you on the road to avoid the need for convenient, sugar-packed foods.
Don’t stress eat
This one goes hand-in-hand with having your snacks prepared. Having a new life, environment and feeling lost for the first few weeks can make you stress eat. Stress eating causes you to eat out of anxiety. Instead, try to determine when you’re actually hungry and when you’re just stressed. If it’s all stress, drink lots of water and do an activity to calm down. If not, eat one of your healthy snacks that you have prepared.
According to Everyday Health, breathing is a great way to avoid stress eating: “adding oxygen to your brain helps you think more clearly and make better food decisions, particularly when you’re stressed.” So, consider taking a few deep breaths to help lower your stress levels.
Don’t limit yourself
Having a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge from time to time. Be healthy, yet open to eat those little cravings every once in a while. Set goals, and then reward yourself later. For example, if you successfully stuck to your diet for a week, consider treating yourself to a small slice of cake or ice cream cone. According to ISSA-certified fitness trainer and nutrition specialist, Obi Obadike of Bodybuilding.com, “as long as you are following 90 percent of your diet plan, you can include 1-2 cheat meals per week to stay sane. Cheat meals are meant to satisfy your taste buds, not to fill your belly at some all-you-can-eat buffet.” A healthy lifestyle is more mental than physical, so give your best, but also be happy.
