Healthy Living for the College Student: Preventing the Freshman 15 and Fostering Good Health

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk or bike instead of riding the bus to classes. If you want stereotypical fitness advice for avoiding the 'Freshman 15' (or any other generic weight gain), you are bound to come across these 'easy' tips. Every magazine trying to remake the same health information will brand it as something 'new' and 'simple.' Health is not new, and, at times, it may not be simple. However, there are some realistic approaches that will allow you to maintain a healthy weight and preserve a satisfying body image.

First, eating healthy should be your top priority. I hate to rehash the same age-old wisdom, but it is completely necessary. Regardless of infomercials and appealing magazine advertisements, there is no remedy that will allow you to lose weight while eating whatever you want. Dorm food isn't always available with the student's health interests in mind, but it is not exceedingly difficult to find food that is low in fat content. Avoid the fried foods, of course, in favor of grilled meats, and keep portions generally in control. Fruits are okay, but avoid juices. Juice contains even more sugar than fruits and has less nutritional value. We all know that we need our vegetables.

Don't think that you must diligently count calories and grams of fat, but do get in line for food with the general mindset that you want to eat a little healthier. It may not always be the most appealing food, but keep your long term health interests in mind when making choices.