How to Not Get Fat in College

The dreaded "Freshman 15" is a fear among most female college freshman. I was afraid myself until I realized that it is completely unavoidable. I managed to not gain weight at all my freshman year, and now into my sophomore year, have lost almost 10 pounds since the summer. It's easier than you think, but it does take dedication. And in no particular order:

1) Get a Gym Membership. 

Do it as soon as possible, just making the purchase will get you motivated. A lot of schools have free gyms, but if you are lucky like me, you might have to pay. A gym on campus is a great way to workout. You can meet all sorts of people who want to be fit as well, and you may discover different classes they offer, rather than just a simple machine-based workout every day.

2) Get a Workout Buddy 

Whether it's your roommate, or someone you meet at the gym, you will be way more motivated to work out if you have someone working hard with you. You can come up with routines and plans together, and you are much more likely to stick to your routine if you have someone to do it with.

3) Whole Grain

A lot healthier than white breads and pastas, whole grain and "wheat" will keep you full longer. These have more nutrients than processed grains. That doesn't mean rule out white bread grilled cheeses (because those are just better with white bread). Moderation is key. Try to keep snacks in your room with 7 or 12 grains in them (Kashi has great options). You'll eat less to satisfy yourself, and you won't be eating empty calories and sugars.

4)Fruits and Veggies

Seriously at every meal. It makes a difference. If you are getting pizza, try it with peppers, broccoli, or pineapple (or all of them!). Any chance you get to put fruit or vegetable on your plate do it.

5)Have Gum Available

If you are hungry, trying chewing gum before you reach for the bag of chips. You may have simply just wanted to chew on something. By chewing gum, you can distract yourself and go onto other things ( and have both hands available, instead of one in the chips bag).

6)Drink a lot of Water

You've probably heard this about a thousand times, but it's true. Often you are thirsty instead of hungry, and will be satisfied by drinking water. I suggest purchasing a reusable water bottle, one with a filter, like brita, is great. This way you can refill wherever you are, and carrying the bottle around will be incentive to drink more water.

7)Stop When you are Satisfied, not Full

College cafeteria food portions tend to be somewhat large (are you trying to make me fat??) so don't think you have to eat everything on your plate. If you are able to serve yourself, don't try to fill up the entire plate, you can get more if you are still hungry. I don't like wasting food either, but you'll find out how much you should be eating, and will make your plate accordingly. If you start to feel full, stop eating, and wait a few minutes. If you still feel this way, then you are finished. The trick is to avoid the food baby. The more you pay attention, the sooner you'll realize when you are satisfied, and not stuffed

8)If you Really want a Cookie, Have a Cookie 

We all know that cravings are normal, and don't go away. What usually happens, is you want the cookie, but you tell yourself you shouldn't have it. You instead have some crackers, not satisfied. You have a yogurt, not satisfied. You end up doing more damage than the cookie would have done in the first place, because of all the substitutions. Have the cookie. Don't have five cookies, but have the one cookie.

9)Take the stairs

Wherever possible. It's worth it.